SAN BENITO — Tonight, after months with an interim city manager, the City Commission will make its official decision on the appointment of Manuel De La Rosa.
De La Rosa was chosen last month as the city’s finalist for city manager.
He was selected over six other candidates, including interim city manager Art Rodriguez, who has served as assistant city manager for several years.
If he accepts, De La Rosa will replace former City Manager Manuel Lara, who died unexpectedly in July.
City officials have been quiet regarding the qualifications of the prospective city leader.
But what has been discovered was located on his LinkedIn profile.
With more than 25 years of experience in city government, mainly centering on the Austin area, his own written summary of his abilities describes him as an “innovative, result-orientated C-level executive that strongly encourages teamwork, individual performance, and a collaborative environment to achieve organizational excellence.”
It also states he is “experienced in developing and implementing cultural and change management.” It says he is “highly skilled in community visioning, having managed both rapid growth and economic recovering communities.”
His skill sets include capital improvement planning, crisis management, community and economic development, emergency and community preparedness, environmental and regulatory compliance, and financial budgeting and management.
Also listed are intergovernmental relations, parks management, legislative analysis, public relations, public policy, public works operations, project management and strategic management planning.
After Lara’s death, Rodriguez took over Lara’s duties as interim until the city could find a replacement.
Additional items on tonight’s agenda include an update on current street projects, discussions and possible action on suggested salary increases or adjustments for some employees, and the appointment of an alternate member to the board of adjustments.
City leaders also will discuss the renewal of the youth baseball league contract and the appointment of a member to the Economic Development Corporation board.
