SAN BENITO, Texas — The San Benito City Commission did not select a permanent city manager after spending more than five hours discussing two finalists behind closed doors.
Commissioners met from about 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, until shortly after midnight but adjourned without an appointment. Mayor Pete Galvan left during the discussions.
The two finalists are interim City Manager Carlos Yerena and Lindsey Wheeler, the city administrator in La Vernia, a community east of San Antonio.
The search attracted 20 applicants after the position was advertised through the Texas Municipal League. Commissioners narrowed the field to six candidates before selecting Yerena and Wheeler as finalists.
The advertised position offers a salary between ,000 and ,000. Applicants were expected to have five to seven years of relevant experience and a bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, finance or a related field. A master’s degree in public or business administration was listed as a preferred qualification.
Yerena became San Benito’s interim city manager in June after Fred Sandoval resigned. Yerena previously served as city manager in Donna from 2018 to 2024 and in Harlingen from 2010 to 2015. He also has served as city manager in Kingsville.
Wheeler has served as La Vernia’s city administrator for about two years after previously working as that city’s secretary. She holds a master’s degree in public administration.
The unresolved appointment leaves Yerena managing daily operations and helping prepare San Benito’s next municipal budget while commissioners continue considering the finalists. The city has scheduled a special commission meeting for Aug. 11.
AI-generated image for illustration purposes.
Sources: MyRGV, August 5, 2026; City of San Benito Aug. 4 commission agenda; City of San Benito Aug. 11 special meeting agenda.
