Cuero Museum Municipal Committee Reappoints Nine Community Leaders
The City of Cuero has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving local history and strengthening cultural stewardship with the reappointment of nine members to the Cuero Museum Municipal Committee. The returning board members — Joe L. Sheppard, Gerald Zengerle, Peggy Ledbetter, Rev. Arnold Taylor, Coach Victor Mathis, Mary Gayle Brindley, Bill Hickey, Jack Boothe, and Julie Gips — will continue their service in guiding the museum’s mission, programming, and long‑term preservation efforts.
The committee plays a vital role in supporting the Cuero Heritage Museum and its related historical initiatives, helping ensure that the stories, artifacts, and traditions of the community remain accessible to future generations. Each reappointed member brings a unique background in civic leadership, education, ministry, athletics, and community advocacy.
City officials noted that the continuity of the board reflects both the dedication of its members and the importance of maintaining institutional knowledge as the museum continues to expand exhibits and public engagement. The committee’s work includes advising on historical collections, supporting educational outreach, and collaborating with local organizations to highlight Cuero’s rich cultural legacy.
The reappointments underscore the City’s appreciation for volunteers who invest their time and expertise in preserving local history. With this renewed slate of experienced leaders, the Cuero Museum Municipal Committee is positioned to continue its work in celebrating the heritage of Cuero and DeWitt County. (May 11, 2026, Minutes)
Council Approves Final Reading of Resolution for Type B EV Charging Station Project
The Cuero City Council has unanimously approved the second and final reading of Resolution 2026‑15, authorizing the Cuero Development Corporation (CDC) to move forward with a Type B economic development project supporting the installation of electric vehicle charging stations.
The resolution allows the CDC to expend up to $150,000 for the project, which includes an upfront infrastructure investment and performance‑based payments over a two‑year period. The action is permitted under Texas Local Government Code Chapter 505, which governs Type B economic development initiatives.
The project includes the execution of a performance agreement and any necessary related documents to ensure compliance with state requirements and CDC procedures.
A motion to approve the final reading was made by Councilmember Glover, with Councilmember Allen seconding. The motion passed unanimously, completing the approval process for the resolution. (Official minutes dated May 11, 2026)
Cuero City Council Approves Salary Adjustment for City Manager
During the May 18, 2026, Special Council meeting, the Cuero City Council reconvened in open session following executive discussions to take formal action on matters addressed under Section 6.1 of the agenda.
Councilman Allen made a motion to approve an increase in the City Manager’s salary from $165,000 to $168,500, effective May 18, 2026. The motion also authorized the City Attorney to prepare a resolution amending the City Manager’s contract to reflect the change.
Councilman Tounley seconded the motion, and it was approved unanimously by the council.
The adjustment recognizes the City Manager’s continued leadership and service to Cuero, aligning compensation with current administrative standards across comparable Texas municipalities. The forthcoming resolution will formally document the amendment to the contract and ensure transparency in the city’s administrative proceedings. (May 18, 2026, Special Council Minutes)
Editor’s Note: According to Texas Municipal League data, City Manager salaries for cities under 10,000 population typically fall between $120,000 and $160,000, with higher salaries occurring in cities that serve as regional hubs, county seats, or have significant infrastructure responsibilities. Cuero’s City Manager salary falls within the range commonly seen in small Texas cities that serve as regional hubs, particularly those with county‑seat responsibilities and ongoing infrastructure and economic development projects.
Council Discusses Potential Acquisition of 100 Acres in Executive Session
The Cuero City Council entered executive session on May 18, 2026, to deliberate the potential acquisition and valuation of a large tract of land owned by DeWitt County. The discussion was held under Section 551.072 of the Texas Government Code, which allows closed‑session deliberations when public discussion could affect a governmental body’s negotiating position regarding real property.
The property under consideration consists of 100 acres located in the Samuel Lockhart League, A‑28, situated within the easterly portion of a larger 464.03‑acre tract recorded in Volume 361, Page 139 of the Official Public Records of DeWitt County.
Councilmembers reviewed matters related to the purchase, exchange, and/or value of the land. As required by law, no action was taken during the executive session itself. Any formal vote or direction must occur in open session. (Minutes dated May 18, 2026)
Cuero City Council Reappoints Three Members to Main Street Advisory Board
The Cuero City Council has approved the reappointment of Jeanette Rocha, Gerald Clark, and Mariah Berger to the Main Street Advisory Board, according to the official minutes of the June 2026 meeting.
The reappointments ensure continued leadership and stability within the board, which plays a key role in guiding Cuero’s downtown revitalization efforts. The Main Street Advisory Board supports historic preservation, business development, beautification projects, and community programming aimed at strengthening the economic and cultural vitality of the downtown district.
City officials expressed appreciation for the members’ ongoing service and their commitment to maintaining a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Cuero.
The board will continue its work on upcoming initiatives and partnerships designed to enhance the downtown experience for residents, visitors, and local businesses. (May 11, 2026, Minutes)
Cuero City Council Approves Final Reading of Tax Abatement Guidelines Ordinance
The Cuero City Council has officially adopted Ordinance 2026‑07, establishing updated Guidelines and Criteria for Tax Abatement in Reinvestment Zones, following a unanimous vote at the council’s June 2026 meeting.
The item appeared for its second and final reading, a required step before an ordinance can take effect. Councilmember Allen made the motion to approve the ordinance as presented, with Councilmember Glover offering the second. The motion passed unanimously, confirming full council support.
Ordinance 2026‑07 outlines the standards the City of Cuero will use when considering tax abatements for qualifying projects within designated reinvestment zones. These guidelines help ensure that economic development incentives are applied consistently, transparently, and in ways that benefit both the community and local investment.
With the final reading approved, the ordinance is now formally adopted and will guide future economic development discussions involving tax abatement opportunities. (May 11, 2026, Minutes)
Cuero City Council Approves Final Reading of Ordinance Amending Public Utility Contract
The Cuero City Council has officially adopted Ordinance 2026‑04, approving an amendment to the city’s Public Utility Contract with Texas Disposal Systems (TDS). The action came during the council’s June 2026 meeting, where the ordinance appeared for its third and final reading, the last step required before an ordinance becomes law.
Councilmember Adams made the motion to approve the ordinance as presented, with Councilmember Tounley providing the second. The motion passed unanimously, signaling full council support for the updated agreement.
The amendment to the TDS contract outlines adjustments to the city’s solid waste and disposal services, ensuring continued compliance with state requirements and aligning service provisions with Cuero’s operational needs. While the specific contract changes were not discussed in detail during the vote, the approval finalizes the city’s updated terms with its long‑standing waste management provider.
With the final reading complete, Ordinance 2026‑04 is now formally adopted and will guide the city’s utility service relationship with Texas Disposal Systems moving forward. (May 11, 2026, Minutes)
Cuero City Council Approves Appointments to Charter Review Commission
The Cuero City Council has unanimously approved the formation of a Charter Review Commission, confirming a slate of seven members submitted by council representatives and the mayor during the June 2026 meeting.
The commission will be responsible for reviewing the City Charter and recommending updates or revisions to ensure the document reflects current governance needs, legal standards, and community priorities.
Each council district and at‑large position submitted one nominee, with Mayor Garza adding a seventh appointment. The approved members are:
- District 1: Greg Gossett (submitted by Councilmember Henson)
- District 2: Paul Harper (submitted by Councilmember Glover)
- District 3: Walter “Brownie” McClung (submitted by Councilmember Allen)
- District 4: Jon Eric Rodriguez (submitted by Councilmember Adams)
- At‑Large: Bill Matthys (submitted by Councilmember Arroyo)
- At‑Large: Jay Lewis (submitted by Councilmember Tounley)
- Mayor’s Appointment: John Solis
A motion to approve the full slate was made by Councilmember Tounley and seconded by Councilmember Allen. The motion passed unanimously, signaling full council support for the commission’s formation.
The Charter Review Commission will meet over the coming months to evaluate potential amendments and prepare recommendations for council consideration. Any proposed charter changes may ultimately require voter approval, depending on the nature of the revisions. (May 11, 2026, Minutes)
Cuero City Council Approves HOT Funding Application for Tri‑City Empowerment Council
The Cuero City Council has unanimously approved the FY 2025–2026 Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) funding application submitted by the Tri‑City Empowerment Council, following a presentation by Ms. Hawes during the June 2026 council meeting.
The application outlines the organization’s planned tourism‑related programming for the upcoming fiscal year, which qualifies for HOT funding under state guidelines. The Tri‑City Empowerment Council has historically coordinated events and initiatives that draw visitors to the region and support youth and community engagement across Cuero, Yoakum, and Yorktown.
A motion to approve the application was made by Councilmember Tounley, with Councilmember Henson providing the second. The motion passed unanimously, signaling full council support for the organization’s continued work.
With approval secured, the Tri‑City Empowerment Council will move forward with its FY 2025–2026 programming, supported in part through Cuero’s Hotel Occupancy Tax fund. (May 11, 2026, Minutes)
May Building Permits –
Municipal Court Monthly Report
CT Periodic Fee Report – MAY 2026.pdf