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History of the City of El Cenizo, Texas El Cenizo, Texas, is a small but vibrant community nestled along the Rio Grande, just south of Laredo in Webb County. Founded in 1989, El Cenizo was born out of a deep sense of community and the desire for a better life among its founding residents. The city's name, "El Cenizo," which translates to "The Ash," is a nod to the hardy desert plant that thrives in the region, symbolizing resilience and endurance—qualities that have come to define the spirit of this unique border town. Early Beginnings and Formation The roots of El Cenizo stretch back to the 1980s, when the area was initially settled by families seeking affordable housing and a place to call their own. During this time, many residents lived in colonia-style developments, which were often underserved by essential infrastructure such as water, sewage, and electricity. Despite these challenges, the community's determination to improve living conditions and achieve official recognition led to the incorporation of El Cenizo as a city in 1989. This incorporation marked a significant milestone, allowing residents to secure municipal services and begin the journey toward building a more sustainable and self-reliant community. Development and Growth Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, El Cenizo faced numerous challenges as it sought to improve infrastructure and provide essential services to its growing population. The city government worked tirelessly to secure funding and partnerships to bring water, electricity, and paved roads to the area. Despite limited resources, the community's commitment to progress remained unwavering. Over time, El Cenizo began to see improvements in living conditions, public safety, and access to education. Cultural Significance and Identity El Cenizo is not just a city; it is a community deeply rooted in culture, tradition, and a shared sense of identity. The city’s population is predominantly Hispanic, with many residents tracing their heritage to Mexico and other parts of Latin America. This rich cultural tapestry is reflected in the city’s customs, celebrations, and daily life. From vibrant fiestas to community gatherings, El Cenizo is a place where cultural heritage is celebrated and preserved. The city’s location along the U.S.-Mexico border has also played a significant role in shaping its identity. As a border town, El Cenizo has been at the forefront of immigration and border policy discussions, with its residents often serving as advocates for humane and just policies. The city’s history is intertwined with the broader narrative of the U.S.-Mexico border, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities faced by border communities. Modern-Day El Cenizo Today, El Cenizo stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of its residents. The city continues to grow and evolve, with ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure, improve public services, and create opportunities for economic development. The community remains closely knit, with a strong sense of pride in the progress that has been made and a shared commitment to building a brighter future. As El Cenizo moves forward, it remains deeply connected to its roots—a community founded on the principles of perseverance, unity, and a relentless drive for improvement. The history of El Cenizo is a story of overcoming adversity, building from the ground up, and transforming challenges into opportunities. It is a story that continues to inspire not only the residents of El Cenizo but also other communities facing similar struggles. El Cenizo's journey is far from over, and as the city looks to the future, it does so with the same spirit of determination that has defined its past. Whether you are a resident, a visitor, or someone interested in the history of small American towns, El Cenizo offers a powerful example of what can be achieved through community, resilience, and the unyielding belief in a better tomorrow.

November 2, 2004 November 7, 2006 November 4, 2008 November 2, 2010 November 6, 2012 November 4, 2014 November 8, 2016 November 6, 2018 November 5, 2019 - Special General Election November 3, 2020 November 8, 2022 Elections – City of El Cenizo, Texas Welcome to the official Elections page for the City of El Cenizo. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about upcoming local elections, voting information, and how to participate in shaping the future of our community. City Elections The City of El Cenizo conducts local elections in accordance with the Texas Election Code. General Election Date: The City’s General Election is held on the Non-Presidential General Election Day in November, unless otherwise ordered. Offices on the Ballot: City Mayor and 2 City Commissioners-at-large. Special Elections: From time to time, the City may call special elections for propositions, or to fill vacancies. Helpful Contacts Webb County Elections Office 4100 Washington St., Laredo, Texas 78041 Phone: (956) 523-4050 Website: www.webbcountytx.gov/ElectionsAdministration City of El Cenizo – City Secretary’s Office 3519 Cecilia Lane, El Cenizo, Texas 78046 Phone: (956) 724-5916 Why Voting Matters in El Cenizo Your vote is your voice. Local elections decide who will represent you on issues like city services, public safety, parks, and community development. By participating, you help build a stronger, more vibrant El Cenizo for all families. Map

Budget Budget Budget Budget 2024 Tax Rate Calculation Worksheet FY 2024-2025 - PROPOSED FY 2019-2020 No budget filed by the E.D. Adm. FY 2020-2021 - A FY 2020-2021 - B FY 2020-2021 - C FY 2021-2022 No budget filed by the E.D. Adm. FY 2022-2023 No budget filed by the E.D. Adm. Key Provisions of Chapter 102: Annual Budget Preparation: The governing body of a Type C General Law City is required to prepare an annual budget that details the planned expenditures and expected revenues for the upcoming fiscal year. Public Hearing and Notice: Before adopting the budget, the city must hold a public hearing, allowing citizens to express their views. Notice of the hearing must be published in a local newspaper at least 10 days before the hearing. Budget Adoption: The budget must be adopted by ordinance or resolution, and it should detail all planned municipal expenditures. The adopted budget serves as the city's financial plan for the year, and it authorizes the expenditure of funds. Amendments: The budget can be amended after adoption, but the amendments must also be approved by the governing body. Fiscal Responsibility: The city must ensure that expenditures do not exceed revenues, promoting fiscal responsibility. The governing body is required to maintain a balanced budget. Public Record: The adopted budget must be filed with the city secretary and made available for public inspection. Additional Notes: The purpose of these provisions is to ensure transparency, accountability, and public involvement in the financial planning of Type C General Law Cities. The code emphasizes the need for prudent financial management to sustain municipal operations and services. This chapter ensures that the city's budget is prepared and adopted in a manner that promotes fiscal responsibility and transparency, with an emphasis on public participation.

Contact Us El Cenizo City Hall | 507 Cadena St. | El Cenizo, Texas 78046 administrator@cityofelcenizotexas.com 956-724-5916

Agendas & Minutes Agendas & Minutes Agendas & Minutes Agendas & Minutes November 16, 2023 - Agenda - Minutes December 21, 2023 - Agenda - Minutes January 25, 2024 - Agenda - Minutes February 22, 2024 - Agenda - Minutes March 28, 2024 - Agenda - Minutes April 25, 2024 - Agenda - Minutes May 16, 2024 - Agenda - Minutes June 27, 2024 - Agenda - Minutes July 18, 2024 - Agenda - Minutes July 25, 2024 - Agenda - Minutes August 22, 2024 - Agenda - Minutes August 27, 2024 - Agenda - Minutes September 12, 2024 - Agenda - Minutes September 19, 2024 - Agenda - Minutes September 26 , 2024 - Agenda - Minutes October 15, 2024 - Agenda - Minutes October 24, 2024 - Agenda - Minutes November 21, 2024 - Agenda - Minutes December 19, 2024 - Agenda - Minutes January 23, 2025 - Agenda - Minutes February 27, 2025 - Agenda - Minutes April 24, 2025 - Cancelled May 22, 2025 - Cancelled June 2, 2025 - Agenda - Minutes June 23, 2025 - Agenda - Minutes August 11, 2025 - Agenda - Minutes August 18, 2025 - Agenda - Minutes August 25, 2025 - Agenda - Minutes August 28, 2025 - Agenda - Minutes September 8, 2025 - Agenda - Minutes September 22, 2025 - Agenda - Minutes The Agenda and Minutes tab on our website is your gateway to staying informed about the decisions and discussions shaping the future of El Cenizo. Here, you’ll find detailed agendas for upcoming city council meetings, outlining the topics that will be addressed, as well as the minutes from past meetings, providing a comprehensive record of what was discussed and decided. This section ensures transparency and keeps you connected with the ongoing governance of our city, allowing you to follow the progress of local initiatives, understand the decision-making process, and participate in our community’s growth. https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/GV/htm/GV.551.htm PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF EL CENIZO, TEXAS NOTICE OF MODIFIED CITY COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE Pursuant to Section 551.041 of the Texas Government Code, the public is hereby notified that the City Council of the City of El Cenizo, Texas has modified its regular meeting schedule. Effective immediately, City Council meetings will be held on the second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Council Chambers inside El Cenizo City Hall, 507 Cadena St, El Cenizo, Texas 78046. This change was adopted by the City Council on Monday June 2, 2025 through Resolution No. 2025-0602-B. Special and Emergency Meetings may also be called as necessary in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act. For more information, please contact the City Secretary at (956) 724-5919.

PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF EL CENIZO, TEXAS NOTICE OF MODIFIED CITY COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE Pursuant to Section 551.041 of the Texas Government Code, the public is hereby notified that the City Council of the City of El Cenizo, Texas has modified its regular meeting schedule. Effective immediately, City Council meetings will be held on the second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Council Chambers inside El Cenizo City Hall, 507 Cadena St., El Cenizo, Texas 78046. This change was adopted by the City Council on Monday June 2, 2025 through Resolution No. 2025-0602-B. Special and Emergency Meetings may also be called as necessary in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act. For more information, please contact the City Secretary at (956) 724-5919. Resources City Government Departments Agendas & Minutes Event & Activities Founded in 1980 the City of El Cenizo is located in the South Texas Region located 16 miles south of Laredo, Texas, adjacent to the Rio Grande River and 25 miles from the Mexican border town of Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas. El Cenizo is the third largest city of Webb County. El Cenizo has 0.52 square miles of land area and 0.01 square miles of water area. As of 2010, the total El Cenizo population is 3,273. The small community is composed of approximately 800 households, the majority of which have extremely low incomes. Prior to incorporation in 1989, El Cenizo was one of approximately 2,000+ colonias in South Texas. During its unincorporated period as a subdivision of Webb County, Texas, the community severely lacked basic services, such as paved streets, sewer systems, ambulance services and other basic public services. El Cenizo currently operates as a Type C General Law City composed of a Mayor and two City Commissioners elected at large under the Texas Local Government Code. The lack of adequate infrastructure, poor water supplies and inadequate housing remains prevalent despite recent progress. News & Announcements 2025-2026 Fiscal Year Budget 2025 Certified Tax Roll 2025 Tax Rate Calculation Worksheet Notice about the 2025 Tax Rate 2025-2026 Proposed Budget Learn More Notice About 2025 Tax Rates Property tax rates in City of EL CENIZO. This notice concerns the 2025 property tax rates for City of EL CENIZO. This notice provides information about two tax rates used in adopting the current tax year's tax rate. The no-new-revenue tax rate would Impose the same amount of taxes as last year if you compare properties taxed in both years. In most cases, the voter-approval tax rate is the highest tax rate a taxing unit can adopt without holding an election. In each case, these rates are calculated by dividing the total amount of taxes by the current taxable value with adjustments as required by state law. The rates are given per $100 of property value. This year's no-new-revenue tax rate $0.578128/$100 This year's voter-approval tax rate $0.578920/$100 To see the full calculations, please click on the 2025 Tax Rate Calculation Worksheet above. Subscribe Form Join Thanks for subscribing!

PRESS & MEDIA 9/6/2024 2024-2025 Fiscal Year Budget

Mayor & City Commissioners The City of El Cenizo operates under a Type C General Law Municipality, as defined by the Texas Local Government Code. The governing body of the city is composed of a Mayor and two City Commissioners, all of whom are elected by the residents of El Cenizo. This structure allows for a close-knit and responsive government that reflects the needs and priorities of the local community. Mayor The Mayor of El Cenizo serves as the chief executive officer of the city, responsible for ensuring that the laws and ordinances are faithfully executed. The Mayor presides over all meetings of the Board of Aldermen and represents the city in its official dealings with other governmental entities. Additionally, the Mayor has the authority to call special meetings, provide leadership in policy development, and ensure that city operations run smoothly and effectively. City Commissioners The City Commission consists of two elected members who collectively serve as the legislative body of the city. Their duties include passing ordinances, resolutions, and orders necessary for the governance of El Cenizo. The City Commissioners also adopts the city’s budget, establishes tax rates, and oversees the allocation of resources to ensure the efficient delivery of public services. Each Commissioner plays a crucial role in representing the interests of their constituents and contributing to the overall policy direction of the city. Together, the Mayor and the City Commissioners are responsible for the governance of El Cenizo, ensuring that the city remains a safe, vibrant, and prosperous community. Their commitment to serving the public reflects the values of transparency, accountability, and dedication to the welfare of all residents. This governing body, guided by the principles outlined in the Texas Local Government Code and supported by the resources of the Texas Municipal League, works tirelessly to address the challenges facing El Cenizo and to build a brighter future for the city. City Mayor Honorable Carina Hernandez Carina Hernandez was born in Houston, Texas and has called El Cenizo home for the past 26 years. She is a proud graduate of United South High School. She currently serves as Center Aide for Webb County at the El Cenizo Community Center where her main duties and responsibilities include: assisting with the Kids’ Café after school meal program, the elderly nutrition meal program and other community events hosted within Webb County Precinct 1. In August of 2022, she declared her candidacy of the office of Mayor of the City of El Cenizo to bring government transparency and fiscal responsibility; community and economic development; a functioning public works department; youth development activities; and addressing public health and safety issues. Carina is married to Edgar Alan Hernandez and has 3 children; Jaden Arriaga, Carter Ramirez and Victoria Ramirez. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family and watching horror movies. In the November 8th 2022 General Election she was elected by her community with over 70% of the votes to represent them and serve as their mayor. City Commissioner Honorable Juany Valdez Juany Valdez was born in Laredo, Texas and has called El Cenizo home for the past 28 years. She graduated from United South High School in 1994. She continued her post high school education at the Laredo Beauty College where she graduated in 1999 with a Texas Cosmetologist Operator License. She has been employed with UPS for the past 21 years as a Custom Broker Representative. Her main duties and responsibilities include ensuring that shipments meet all legal requirements, reviewing the classification of goods to ensure that the taxes and duties owed are properly calculated and creating the necessary paper work for submission to customs for authorization. Juany is no stranger to public service as she served as City Commissioner for 4 consecutive 2year terms during 2010 and 2018. During her service as City Commissioner, she worked alongside former Mayor Raul Reyes to improve the city infrastructure and secure over 4 million dollars of state and federal funding. During her 8 years as City Commissioner; she assisted with the construction of the El Cenizo Public Library; served as Committee Chairwoman for all public health and public service initiative in El Cenizo; negotiated a service contract for ambulance services; helped acquire the city’s first new solid waste collection vehicle; and advocated for youth and elderly service program. After a close but unsuccessful race for Mayor in 2018, she continued her service and declared her candidacy of the office of City Commissioner of the City of El Cenizo on September of 2022 to use her experience and help give back local government to its people. Juany is married to her loving and supportive husband Tomas Aguilar and has 7 children; 3 boys and 4 girls. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, providing her children with experiences she wasn’t able to have growing up and serving her community. On the November 8th 2022 General Election she was elected by her community represent them and serve as one of their two City Commissioners. City Commissioner Honorable Daisy Perez Daisy Perez was born in Laredo Texas and has called El Cenizo home for the past 24 years. She is a proud graduate of Lyndon B. Johnson High School. She is currently a devoted mother to Ricardo Ramon García (age 5) and Danytza Romina Garcia (age 3). She works hard every day to provide for her family with love and instill in her children the importance of an education. On September 2, of 2022, she declared her candidacy for the office of City Commissioner of the City of El Cenizo to bring government transparency and fiscal responsibility; community and economic development; a functioning public works department; youth development activities; and addressing public health and safety issues. In her spare time she enjoys cooking; the outdoors; gardening and exercising every morning. On the November 8th 2022 General Election she was elected by her community to represent them and serve as one of their two City Commissioners.

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