City Manager, City of Mercedes, Texas

About the City

Mercedes sits on Interstate 2 between McAllen and Brownsville. Founded in 1907, the City operates under a Commission‑Manager form of government with 11 departments, 163 employees, a $29.6 million budget, and a population of 17,915. Generational water, drainage, street, and retail projects are already in motion.

About the Role

The City Manager is the City’s chief administrative officer, appointed by and reporting to the Mayor and City Commission. The Commission seeks a leader who works well with all stakeholders, is strong in finance, communicates plainly, and promotes Mercedes as a place to live, work, and invest.

Responsibilities

• Direct all 11 departments through their department heads; hire, evaluate, and develop the leadership team
• Prepare and administer the annual budget and capital program; strengthen audits and internal controls
• Carry out Commission policy and bring major purchases, obligations, and contracts forward for review
• Set annual goals with clear measures and report progress regularly
• Deliver streets, water and wastewater, drainage, and parks projects with state and federal funding partners
• Strengthen hiring, evaluation, benefits, and discipline processes across departments
• Expand online services and public information; run a fair, open contracting process
• Build relationships with the school district, irrigation district, RGV Livestock Show, and county, state, federal, and regional partners
• Promote Mercedes for industry, housing, and investment; be a visible leader in every neighborhood

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business, finance, planning, or a related field
• Five years in municipal management, or leading a municipal department or major operation, with direct responsibility for budget, personnel, and large capital projects (county experience considered)
• Proven experience building and managing a public budget

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in public administration or a related field
• Three to five years as a City Manager
• Certified Public Manager or ICMA Credentialed Manager designation
• Grants, infrastructure, and economic development experience
• Spanish‑speaking ability

The ideal candidate is a team player with the Commission, staff, residents, and partners; strong in finance and accountable for results; a clear, honest communicator about both successes and challenges; a visible ambassador with a regional vision for growth, high ethical standards, and a long‑term commitment to the community.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range: $150,000 to $175,000, depending on qualifications and experience.

• Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) membership
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability coverage
• Paid leave and holidays
• Executive benefits negotiated in the employment agreement

Selection Process

• Filing deadline: November 13, 2026
• Semifinalists presented to the Commission: December 1
• In‑person interviews in Mercedes: week of January 4, 2027
• Possible Commission vote: January 19, 2027

Semifinalists complete a supplemental application, video interviews, and background and employment verification before in‑person interviews with the Mayor and City Commission.