City Manager, City Attorney Immediately Removed

Two essential roles in Del Rio’s government turned vacant overnight. In surprise decisions by city council, the city attorney and city manager were permanently removed from their seats in the final minutes of a 5-hour meeting Tuesday evening.

Eddie Martinez 3 months ago 1

Two essential roles in city government became vacant overnight. In surprise decisions by council, the city attorney and city manager were permanently removed from their seats in the final minutes of a 5-hour meeting Tuesday evening. A special meeting to discuss filling the positions is already in the works, according to one council person.

Campaign image for Generosa 'Janie' Ramon, running for Val Verde County Commissioner, Pct. 4. Features her portrait, campaign details, and early voting information.

In a 7-0 vote, council members accepted a “mutual separation agreement” from Shawna Burkhart that relieves her from her position as city manager at midnight February 25th, 30 minutes after the meeting adjourned. Burkhart had served since August 2024.

In another decision, council voted 5-2 for the dismissal of Anna Markowski-Smith as city attorney, also effective today. Markowski-Smith served since June 2025.

Details on why the two were terminated are scarce at this time. Official statements on the respective removals of the councilwomen have not been made. Though in the case of Burkhart, a “mutual separation” signals an amicable departure from her role.

Councilwoman Carmen Gutierrez, who made the initial motion to remove Markowski-Smith, attempted to reassure citizens by writing in a social media post early Wednesday morning, “consistent and uninterrupted service to our citizens will continue.”

Gutierrez confirmed to DRN that a special council meeting to discuss “a more definite timeline” of filling the vacant seats will convene as soon as Wednesday next week.

Photo from City of Del Rio.