What to know ahead of City Council discussion about El Paso city manager's contract

El Paso City Manager Tommy Gonzalez
(credit: Robert Holguin)

KFOX14
by Jhovani Carrillo
February 24th 2023, 5:58 PM CST

EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14) — The El Paso City Council will once again discuss City Manager Tommy Gonzalez's contract at their meeting on Tuesday.

This is not the first time the council has looked into the manager's contract. However, it will be the first time new city representatives could weigh in.

Back in May of 2022, the last city council debated whether or not to extend Gonzalez's contract.

Ultimately, six city representatives voted to extend Gonzalez's contract.

Rep. Alexsandra Annello and Rep. Joe Molinar were the only two to vote against it.

With several new representatives now sitting on the City Council, the city manager's contract could hang in the balance.

KFOX14 called and emailed all City Council members to see where they stand on the matter and how they plan to vote.

The two representatives who placed the item on the agenda, Molinar and Brian Kennedy, refused to give an interview.

Meanwhile, out of the other six members, Rep. Cassandra Hernandez shared the same statement she did on Thursday.

“I saw the item when the agenda came out. The information on the item backup is limited on what the sponsors are seeking. As Council is the custodian of the City Manager’s employment, we are privy to having discussion however, my expectation is that any proposals will be thought out, evidence based and in the best interest of the City and its employees.”

Since Molinar and Kennedy co-authored the item, it's likely they could vote the same.

And if things play out as they did back in May, it's possible Rep. Anello could join them.

Meantime Rep. Isabel Salcido, Rep. Henry Rivera and Rep. Hernandez could vote in favor of the city manager as they did back in May.

That leaves Rep. Chris Canales and Rep. Art Fierro.

While running for a seat on City Council, Canales told El Paso Matters he doesn't see a need to make additions to the city manager's contract.

He said he would not support the addition in the future.

Meantime, Fierro told El Paso Matters he didn't like how the previous council handled the city manager's contract.

He said the council completely "ignored established processes put in place for contract renewal upon nearing expiration."

Count on us to let you know what happens at Tuesday's meeting.