Raymondville EDC mulls searching for more candidates

RAYMONDVILLE — For more than six months, the city has searched for a director to run its Economic Development Corporation.

However, the search has drawn only four applicants.

Now, the EDC’s board members are reviewing the application process, Mayor Gilbert Gonzales said.

“We’d like to have a better selection,” said Gonzales, who continues to oversee the EDC.

Gonzales said prospective candidates may not have applied because job requirements include a bachelor’s degree in business and grant writing experience.

“There’s a lot to that job, believe me,” he said.

On Tuesday, the board is expected to meet to review the candidates, City Manager Eleazar Garcia said.

Earlier this week, board members discussed the search process.

“We discussed the candidates and we didn’t have enough candidates,” Gonzales said.

He said board members discussed the possibility of advertising again for the position.

“We might change the whole thing,” he said.

Four candidates, including a qualified candidate, have applied for the job.

However, he would like more candidates to apply.

Gonzales has overseen the department since Lina Castillo’s sudden resignation last June.

“I can handle it,” he said.

Castillo, who had taken the job in December 2016, was making a salary of $40,000 with benefits.

In October 2016, Catalina Ozuna, who had served in the position for about six years, resigned.

Last December, the city advertised for the position in the Valley Morning Star.

Qualifications included a bachelor’s degree in business and experience in economic development or a “related field.”

Salary was described as “negotiable.”

“This employee will be expected to perform administrative work in directing and coordinating economic development activities within the city of Raymondville,” the advertisement stated.