DILLEY, Texas – Seven Dilley city employees, including City Administrator Melissa Gonzalez, Public Works Director Rudy Olivarez and police Lt. Brian Noe, abruptly quit Tuesday night following the City Council's regular monthly meeting.
Noe and others said they were finally fed up with council members seeking "personal agendas."
"They've refused to do the job that they were hired to do and swore to do," Noe said. "They swore to the citizens that they're here to take care of them, and instead they made it a personal agenda."
James Kinsey, who attended the meeting, agreed with Noe.
"A couple of individuals on a witch hunt," Kinsey said. "They're looking for something that's not there."
Noe claimed that Council Members Esme Cano and Ray Aranda were "gunning" for the city administrator and public works director for months. Cano was not available for comment and Aranda declined interview requests, but said those who quit were upset with the city's handling of naming an interim chief of police after the former chief resigned last month.
Melissa Gonzalez said she was targeted months ago and there were items in the regular August council meeting and a special meeting pertaining to her employment. Gonzalez held her job for four years.
"At the last City Council meeting where they attempted to try to remove me, I had people who spoke on my behalf," Gonzalez said. "I had developers who are here spending millions of dollars in this community that I have worked very closely and helped the city grow."
On Tuesday, an item in open session regarding the fate of Olivarez as public works director was tabled. He said he's never received hard evidence from council members supporting their desire to let him go.
"Stating that the job's not getting done, stuff like that, but nothing's been told to me directly from him," Olivarez said. "I just got tired of the harassment and all that. I consider it harassment."
Everyone who quit said they are currently looking for new jobs and have interviews lined up, but they're more worried about the residents of Dilley.
"It's sad to see that the people that are going to be affected and impacted by all of this is the community," Gonzalez said.
"We're in the middle of the biggest boom in South Texas," Kinsey said. "This city can really prosper and grow, but due to the conflict they're having internally, it's going to bring a halt to everything."
The Frio County Sheriff's Office will help with policing efforts as the city rebuilds its staff. Noe said they've contacted the Frio County District Attorney's Office to report the council members, but have not heard back.
To view a list of recent stories Charles Gonzalez has done, click here.