By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS
LOS FRESNOS, TX—With about half a dozen city council meetings and community events under his belt, city manager Roberto Baez is getting a handle on his new duties as the top administrator.
He is now the link between the city’s six elected officials and the municipal activities at Los Fresnos City Hall.
Baez replaced Mark Milum, who held the position for more than two decades.
One of those events occurred on Aug. 23, when Los Fresnos ISD leaders and City of Los Fresnos officials gathered.
Ironically, it gave guests an opportunity to meet Baez and new Los Fresnos ISD Superintendent Dr. Joseph Villarreal at the same time.
“The City of Los Fresnos stands proudly alongside our school district, continuing a partnership built over the past 20 years. The strong foundation established under Dr. Gonzalo Salazar and City Manager Mark Milum has brought our city and school district together, and we look forward to continuing that legacy with Dr. Joseph Villarreal and our City Manager Roberto Baez,” said Los Fresnos Mayor Alejandro Flores, who is seeking a third and final term against two opponents.
“I am excited about the opportunities ahead and the collaborations we can build together—initiatives that will continue to unite our community, support our students and families, and make Los Fresnos an even better place to live and raise a family,” he added.
Baez’s start date was ideal because it fell during the annual budget process. It’s a several-month period when the city staff, led by a city manager, provide input to the city council in preparation for the fiscal budget that begins every Oct. 1.
This is the first time in 22 years that someone other than Milum is leading the process.
At a July 14 regular meeting, Baez was unanimously appointed to his position following a nearly three-hour closed-door session to deliberate on the selection of a preferred candidate, including consideration of additional applicants.
When Mayor Alejandro Flores reopened the meeting at 9:18 p.m., Place 1 Councilman Alberto Escobedo moved to select Baez, seconded by Place 3 Councilman Juan Munoz.
Baez has merit.
According to the Texas Municipal League, he earned a bachelor’s and a master’s from the University of Texas Brownsville in 2011 and 2013, respectively. A decade later, he earned Certified Public Manager (CPM) status from the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley.
The TML also shows that Baez held positions mostly with the City of Brownsville, beginning as an assistant court director, then as a financial analyst, change and strategy manager, and director of the Enterprise Project Management Office.
According to a posting earlier this year, the pay range was between $130,000 and $180,000.
Before being named city manager, Baez’s last position in May was as director of maintenance at the Brownsville Independent School District.
On the City of Los Fresnos website, Baez said the following about his new post: “As city manager, I am committed to ensuring that city hall remains responsive, transparent, and focused on serving our community. Through our employees’ dedicated efforts, we strive to provide efficient services, create opportunities, and continue building Los Fresnos as a community of opportunity.”
MUNICIPAL FINANCES
Mayor Flores released financial details from last year’s fiscal budget, highlighting five years of growth in Los Fresnos.
The general fund budget has increased by 74.5 percent, or $3 million. It currently sits at $7.03 million.
He said it would allow the city and staff to “invest more in public safety, infrastructure, parks, recreation, and city services.”
City manager Baez will have a significant imprint on that process, similar to his predecessor Milum.
Among the four factors that have seen revenue growth are sales tax (49.7 percent, to $1.909M), property tax (57.9 percent, to $1.868M), grants (261.1 percent, to $362K), and franchise fees (11.9 percent, to $453K).
Once the City Council approves the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget, these numbers will likely change.