Texas Border Business
McALLEN –The McAllen City Commission on Tuesday, May 27, 2014 selected Interim City Manager Roel “Roy” Rodriguez P.E., as McAllen’s new city manager with a unanimous vote after a two-month search.
A former Assistant City Manager and General Manager of the McAllen Public Utility (MPU), Rodriguez was interviewed as a finalist for the position in executive session Tuesday. The Commission voted immediately after the interview process and selected him as the permanent replacement. He had served as the interim City Manager for the last two months.
Rodriguez said he is looking forward to working with the Mayor, City Commission and community leaders to keep McAllen one of the best, most innovative cities in Texas, and to continue to make economic development, great community services and sound fiscal leadership the center of his efforts moving forward.
“Mayor Darling and the City Commission are very engaged in this community and they care a great deal, and I am blessed to have earned their trust,” said Rodriguez. “McAllen is a great city and our citizens deserve great service from us. I commit myself to continuing on a path toward achieving great things for this city and its citizens.”
Rodriguez added that he has a great team at city hall, and with the help of the City Commission, he will move forward on ongoing projects such the McAllen Sports Park (De Leon Soccer Complex), Performing Arts Center and several street and transportation plans. The new city manager added that he will also continue to work collaboratively with other cities in the Rio Grande Valley and with regional planning and advocacy groups.
“McAllen is a vibrant, important city in the region and we have a role as a leader in the region,” said Rodriguez. “However, we are also part of a big region and in order to accomplish our biggest goals, Rio Grande Valley cities must work together. McAllen will do its part in the team effort.”
In addition to being the city manager, Rodriguez currently serves on the board of the Rio Grande Regional Water Authority and on the Texas Municipal Retirement System Board of Trustees, appointed by Gov. Rick Perry in 2011 to a second six-year term.
Rodriguez, 50 served as MPU General Manager and McAllen Assistant City Manager for 10 years. As MPU General Manager he oversaw all operations for water and wastewater and city extraterritorial jurisdiction issues. As assistant city manager he had responsibility for the Engineering, Planning, Building Inspections, IT and Purchasing & Contracting departments.
Previous to working at the City of McAllen, Rodriguez was employed by the City of Harlingen where he held the positions of City Engineer, Assistant City Manager and City Manager. Rodriguez lives in McAllen with his wife and family. TBB
