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MERCEDES CITY COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING
MARCH 4, 2026 – 6:00 PM
MERCEDES CITY HALL – COMMISSION CHAMBERS
400 S. OHIO AVE., MERCEDES, TX 78570
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Oscar Montoya
Commissioner Joe Martinez
Commissioner Armando Garcia
Mayor Pro-Tem Ruben Saldana
MEMBERS ABSENT: Commissioner Jacob Howell
STAFF PRESENT: Alberto Perez, City Manager
Joselynn Castillo, City Secretary
Martie Garcia Vela, City Attorney
M eredith Hernandez, Finance Director
OTHERS PRESENT:
1. Call Meeting to Order
Mayor Montoya welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order at 6:28 P.M. Mayor
Montoya apologized for his delay and added there was also technical difficulties.
2. Establish Quorum
Four members of the Commission were present, which constitutes a quorum.
Commissioner Howell was absent.
3. Invocation
Commissioner Martinez said the invocation.
4. Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Pro-Tem Saldana led in the pledge of allegiance.
5. Open Forum
There were no residents signed up for the open forum.
6. Presentation
a. Presentation of the Audit for Fiscal Year 2024-2025
Adrian Webb, City Auditor, addressed the Commission regarding the audit for the City of
Mercedes ending fiscal year 2025. Mr. Webb informed the commission about the financial
highlights which included the city's total net position which increased by $6,495,197. The
net position from governmental activities increased $5,869,271, while the net position
from business-type activities increased $625,926. The receivables in the EMS keep
increasing but will not be collected. The City now has a write off policy.
Mr. Webb stated one of the deficiencies included a Human Resources policy to include a

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conflict of interest form. Mayor Montoya stated a checklist could be made to make sure all
forms are filled out properly.
Mayor Montoya provided staff 30 days to correct the material weaknesses.
Mayor Montoya would like a budget workshop in the near future. Mr. Perez informed the
commission that they are looking at doing a workshop about the streets and two other
topics. Mayor Montoya added that he would like to focus on the parks also and water and
sewer and to plan for sponsorship requests.
7. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of Minutes for Meeting(s) held February 17, 2026
Commissioner Martinez motioned to approve. Commissioner Garcia seconded. PU
8. Ordinances/Resolutions
a. Consideration and Action on Resolution 2026-17 approving the submission of the
grant application for the Hidalgo 2025 Operation Stone Garden Grant No. 3172811
Commissioner Martinez motioned to approve. Commissioner Garcia seconded. PU
9. Adjournment
Commissioner Garcia motioned to adjourn. Commissioner Martinez seconded. Upon a
called vote, the motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 6:56 P.M.