The Cuero City Council revised membership requirements for the Board of Adjustments to expand the pool of applicants for the board at the March 9 regular meeting.
In the Ordinances section, Council approved Ordinance No. 2026-08 on emergency reading, amending the membership requirements for the board. The change revises eligibility from requiring members to reside within the city limits to allow members who reside anywhere within DeWitt County to apply.
Council also approved Ordinance No. 2026-06 on emergency reading, renewing the City’s lease agreement with the Cuero Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture. City Manager Wayne Berger explained the Chamber’s current lease expires March 31, 2026, and the renewal maintains the same terms while extending the agreement for up to three additional oneyear periods as the Chamber continues renovations on its future building.
Council then approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 2026-04, which amends the City’s public utility contract with Texas Disposal Systems (TDS) for municipal solid waste services. The amendment primarily clarifies service details and administrative items, including correcting dumpster size records and adding previously omitted fee language, with no price increases to the existing contract. The amendment will proceed through the required multi-reading process before final adoption.
In the Council Consideration and Action Items section, Council approved funds from the Cemetery Endowment Fund to install solar lighting at Hillside Cemetery. Parks Superintendent David Danish explained the project would install 25 solar light poles at roadway intersections throughout the cemetery to improve visibility, safety, and deter vandalism.
Council also approved proposed modifications to Exhibit A and Exhibit B of the City’s Distributed Generation Ordinance (2017-12), which governs residential and commercial solar systems that return excess electricity to the City’s electric system. City Manager Wayne Berger explained the updates primarily clarify application procedures, increase the system size threshold from 20 kW to 50 kW, revise metering language to reflect the City’s existing equipment, and remove certain insurance requirements for smaller systems.
In the Reports section, Finance Director Connie Hawes presented the quarterly financial report and investment report for the period ending December 31, 2025. Hawes noted revenues and expenditures across most City funds are generally tracking near the expected 25% range for the first quarter of the fiscal year. She added that the General Fund reflects higher revenue levels this quarter due to Community Development Block Grant funding received during the reporting period.
Council then received a report from Wamsley Performance on the 2026 Tarmac Takeover Dyno Day and No Prep Race Event, held January 30–31 at the City park and airport. The two-day event included racing competitions, a dyno contest, show-and-shine vehicles, vendors, and family activities. Attendance increased from approximately 2,400 attendees in 2025 to about 3,400 this year, with organizers estimating closer to 4,000 total participants, including children. The event featured 105 race entries, 48 dyno competitors, 52 showand- shine vehicles, and 26 sponsors from across the country.
Council was also provided with an update on the City’s active and recently completed grant-funded projects. Current and recently closed projects include water and drainage improvements, thecomprehensive plan update, skate park construction, and roof replacement at the historic Water Works building.
In the Presentations and Recognitions section, Mayor Emil Garza proclaimed April 2026 as Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month in Cuero. Kati Klores, President of the DeWitt County Child Welfare Board and Friends of DeWitt County Children, accepted the proclamation and shared information about the upcoming Siren Sound Off on April 1, which honors children affected by abuse or neglect.
Mayor Garza also proclaimed March 16–22, 2026 as Brain Awareness Week in Cuero, with members of the Pilot Club present to receive the recognition.
Council then recognized several local student and community achievements. Cuero High School student Landri Dyer was recognized for being selected to the Texas Small School All-State Choir for the second time following a competitive statewide audition process. Julian Henson was also recognized for winning a UIL Film Festival State Championship for the film La Lechuza. Council additionally acknowledged 80 years of Cuero Baseball and its longstanding role in the community.
In the Consent Agenda section, Council approved items 4.1 through 4.4 as presented.
Council then considered the certification of unopposed candidates for the May 2, 2026 City Election, as presented by City Secretary Jessica Hernandez. Hernandez certified that Mayor Emil Garza, District 2 Councilmember Terry Glover, and District 3 Councilmember WT “Tony” Allen were all unopposed and that no write-in candidates had filed. Council accepted the certification.
Following the certification, Council approved Ordinance No. 2026-05, canceling the May 2026 general election and officially declaring the unopposed candidates elected to their respective offices.
In the Resolutions section, Council approved several items.
Council first approved Resolution No. 2026-05, authorizing a professional services agreement with TSG Architects for architectural services related to the Friar Ag Center expansion project.
Council then approved Resolution No. 2026-06, authorizing submission of an application to the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Downtown Revitalization Program. Grants & Special Projects Director Rhonda Stastny explained the program could provide up to $1 million in grant funding with a 5% local match, with eligible projects including sidewalks, accessibility improvements, drainage, and other public infrastructure within the designated Main Street district.
Next, Council approved Resolution No. 2026-07, electing for the City to participate in a tax abatement program. City Manager Wayne Berger explained the City’s previous guidelines had expired and this resolution begins a multi-step process to renew the program, which can be used as an economic development tool to attract new businesses. Updated guidelines will be brought back to Council following a public hearing.
Council also approved Resolution No. 2026-09, renewing the City’s membership agreement with Keep Texas Beautiful. Environmental Services Supervisor Cheryl Merzbacher recommended the three-year agreement option, which increases the organization’s marketing fee for recyclable materials from 10% to 12%.
Finally, Council approved Resolution No. 2026-10, selecting Urban Engineering as the engineering firm for a Texas Community Development Block Grant Fund project. The City Manager was authorized to negotiate and execute the contract to move forward with the grant application process.
Items of Community Interest: Friends of DeWitt County Children will host the Siren Sound Off on April 1, 2026, beginning at 11:45 a.m. in front of the former John C. French Elementary School to recognize Child Abuse Awareness Month.
City offices will be closed Friday, April 3, 2026, in observance of Good Friday.
The Annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held Saturday, April 4, 2026, at the Cuero Municipal Park.
The Spring Clean Up Event will take place March 23 through March 28, 2026, providing residents an opportunity to dispose of eligible items.
The City received trees through the Scenic City program, including sago palms, crepe myrtles, and Mexican sycamores, which will be planted to enhance community green spaces.
The City-Wide Garage Sale took place March 13–14, 2026, with participating locations across the community and additional vendors set up at the Market Pavilion.
The Salty Soldier Gala and Obstacle Course will be held April 4, 2026, with the obstacle course beginning at 8:00 a.m. near the Rodeo Arena and the gala at 6:00 p.m. at the Cuero VFW.
This Cuero City Council meeting recap is intended to keep Cuero citizens informed and does not reflect all matters currently before Council. For further information, concerns or public input, please contact the office of the City secretary at citysecretary@ cityofcuero. com or (361) 2756114 ext. 101.
For the latest updates on the City of Cuero, as well as Council meeting agendas, minutes, and more, visit www.cityofcuero. com.
For more information and upcoming agendas, minutes from previous meetings, and more, visit www.cityofcuero. com. A short recap video of each City Council meeting can be found on the City of Cuero Facebook and YouTube channels.
