Category: Natalia City Council Meetings

Important issues discussed at Natalia City Council meetings.

Smith resigns from NISD board, submits public info requests on unanswered questions

Eric Smith congratulates senior Kayden Maddox at a Mustang Olympics event last school year.

Longtime Natalia school board member Eric Smith resigned October 28th from the board and has submitted several formal public information requests after his questions regarding district spending and raises went unanswered. Smith has been on the board for 21 years.
“Let me make something clear from the beginning,” Smith said in a post shortly before his resignation. “This is not about personal attacks, politics, friendships, or personalities. This is about facts, honesty, and accountability.”
Among other issues, Smith has requested information on all construction change orders in the bond project and other expenditures as well as figures for all individuals providing contracted services to Natalia ISD.
“Our taxpayers deserve to know exactly how their money is being spent and whether the proper approval procedures were followed,” Smith said.
He is also requesting records of…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $42 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!

Big Upheaval in Natalia Election

Three long time serving incumbents on the City of Natalia Council were voted off during the November 3, 2026 city election.
Winning the bid for the three open seats are Tiffany Jade Barrientes, Gerry Rogers, and Marisa Saldana.
Outgoing incumbents are Sam Smith with 28 years of dedicated service, Mike Fernandez with

…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $42 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!

Natalia celebrates soon-to-be Multipurpose Center with a ribbon cutting

The new multipurpose center in Natalia is on track to be built during 2027! Plans are ready and the funding should be coming in soon to finalize all the rest of the paperwork needed. Leaders celebrated with a ribbon cutting this Tuesday. Full story on page 2.

The City of Natalia celebrated a ribbon cutting, behind the veteran’s monument, for their upcoming multipurpose center which will be built during 2027. Plans are ready and the funding should be coming in soon to finalize all the rest of the paperwork needed. “This will be a great place for our community and county for many years to come, especially in situations like the snow/freeze emergency we experienced. It was obvious then to others, that not only do those who live in city limits rely on the City of Natalia. They were coming from Forest Woods and the rural neighbors for water just like the citizens of Natalia. That opened many eyes and helped provide the proof of the need for this center. The pictures and write ups in the Devine News helped paint the picture we were in,” said councilman Darren Frazier. “ Besides the center, there will be a …LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $42 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!

Multipurpose Center ribbon cutting Oct. 20th in Natalia

The City of Natalia is inviting everyone to join in on the ribbon cutting ceremony for the “coming soon” Multipurpose Center which will be located across from city hall on Highway 132 in Natalia.
The ribbon cutting will be on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 10:00 A.M., ceremony address is 2079 State Highway 132 N., Natalia. Following the ceremony will be a Go Medina meeting.
Come help the City of Natalia celebrate, as a stronger community and a brighter future!…You can get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $42 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this! Click the link to sign up today! www.devinenewsmembers.com

Planning requirements for proposed Natalia ambulance substation may postpone project

By Anton Riecher
Legal requirements governing the construction of government buildings in Texas may delay work on a Medina County Emergency Services District No. 4 ambulance substation slated to be built in Natalia later this year.
By a vote of 4-0, the ESD4 board of commissioners voted April 9 to contact their attorney, Ken Campbell, for clarification on architecture requirements to assemble a pre-engineered metal building that would serve as the new sub-station.
EMS Director Jason Miller warned the board that hiring an architect or engineer to draw plans and specifications for the new structure could mean a considerable push back in the project timeline…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get INSTANT online access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!

Everything you need to know about the 2025 Natalia Bluebonnet Parade & Festival

The 2025 Natalia Bluebonnet Parade & Festival will be held Saturday, March 29, 2025 in downtown Natalia. The yearly festival is the major fundraiser for the Natalia Veteran’s Memorial Library. We are still accepting food/craft vendors and parade registrations.

In addition, we are also seeking sponsorship. For updated information on music, schedule of events and more please visit the website at nataliabluebonnetfestival.com, facebook page, stop by the library at 501 Third Street or call Amy Edge at 210-213-1990.

Aldermen sworn in at Natalia City Council meeting

By Catherine Richard
Mike Fernandez, Samuel Smith and Selica Vera were sworn in by the City Administrator and Secretary, Nichole Bermea, for another two-year term as aldermen during Natalia’s City Council meeting on Nov. 18.
Alderman Sam Smith was nominated to serve a one-year term as mayor pro-term by Selica Vera. Smith served in this role from 2023-2024 and willingly accepted the position.
The results from the Nov. 5 general election were accepted and approved by the board.
Ruberta Vera, Laura Kay Gallagher and Brenda Fernandez were reappointed for another two-year term on the Natalia Municipal District Board of Directors.
In anticipation of the first annual Christmas Night in Natalia event on Dec. 5, Lysette Clark updated the council on the arrangements being made.
“It’s bigger than what we thought it would be,” said Clark.
The event has been met with enthusiasm and support, as 54 parade entries have been made and more than 50 vendors have signed up. MOVE.FIT.LIVE., a fitness center based in San Antonio, volunteered to begin the parade with a group run at 6:30 p.m. The school bands from Natalia and Devine will be performing for the event and the Volunteer Fire Department will be attending.
“I want to publicly thank you for stepping forward as community members,” said…

Read the full story by subscribing at www.devinenewsmembers.com

VOTING INFO for Medina County residents and Natalia elections

Early voting kicked off this week and will continue Oct 21-25th (8am-5pm), Saturday Oct. 26 (7am7pm), Sunday Oct. 27 (9am-3pm), and Monday-Fri October 28th-November 1 (7am-7pm).
Voters can vote anywhere in the county including at the Medina County Courthouse Annex in Hondo, Medina County Pct 4 Annex building in Devine at 317 Hwy 132N, and the Medina County Pct 2 building in Castroville at 8366 FM 471 South. See page 4 for more.
Election Day will be Tuesday, November 5 (7am-7pm).
Look for a sample ballot on www.DevineNews.com

NATALIA ELECTIONS

Along with National and State elections which are ongoing, there are two big races for Natalia residents including a City Council election and a School Board election.

There are four candidates vying for positions on Natalia City Council. The candidates are: Mike Fernandez, Selica L Vera, Sam Smith and Valerie Michelle Naff.
The are four candidates are vying for 3 positions on the school board. The Natalia School board candidates are: Andrew Besa, Eric Smith, Fernando Garza, and Tracy Myers.

While this news story is provided free access, please consider becoming a member to support our local newsroom covering important local city, county, and school news!

Natalia Council approves ‘24 tax rate

By Catherine Richard
The Natalia City Council approved the Little League’s use of the Natalia Veterans Memorial Sportsplex and the 2024-2025 tax rate and budget on Sept. 23 at the Natalia Council Chambers.
Jaime Gomez, president of the Little League, requested a renewal for the Little League’s one-year contract.
Under the 2023 lease, Little League made multiple upgrades to the sportsplex facilities, repairing broken windows, installing storage systems, and constructing coverings to provide shade for the home side spectators.
The City Council approved the renewal and extended the lease of the sportsplex for another two years.
“I am pleased with the decision last night,” Gomez said.
Along with other repairs and improvements, the Little League’s future projects include making improvements to the bathroom and installing and AED for emergency situations.
There were some disputes over the use of the sportsplex, specifically when it came to the allowance for other sports teams to use the field. Further decisions will have to be made which will determine…

TO CONTINUE READING…CLICK HERE or go to www.devinenewsmembers.com