Council advances ordinance to give city more oversight over Pecos Economic Development director

The Pecos City Council voted on first reading to amend the city code so the council would have direct hiring, supervision and termination authority over the director of the Pecos Economic Development Corporation (PEDC).

Supporters said the change would create clear accountability for the body that manages public dollars. Councilman Hvarasca argued council oversight is necessary because "the city council, we are an elected body directly accountable to the public" and that the EDC "is funded by public dollars and then operates on behalf of the public." Opponents and some council members urged caution, seeking clearer guidelines and a collaborative approach with the EDC board so the shift would not become "a vicious cycle" of micromanagement.

The ordinance, identified as 26-07-01R, drew repeated references to past practice and to the city charter. Public commenter Kenneth Winkles, a former PEDC executive director, told the council that ordinance language from 2017 "gave the council the authority over the PEDC director," and suggested the council consult the city attorney about legal standing before acting. After debate the motion to approve first reading was made, the vote resulted in a tie; the presiding officer then voted in favor and the motion carried.

Councilmembers asked staff to draft clearer supervision guidelines and to align any changes with EDC bylaws and the outcome of an ongoing forensic-audit effort. The ordinance will return for subsequent readings and final adoption if the council elects to proceed.