To view PDF version, click here.

To view PDF version of early voting locations document, click here.

The City of San Benito is waiving late fees on water bills for the months of March and April 2026 following recent network issues that affected billing services.

Late fees from prior months will not be affected by this waiver.

The City appreciates the patience and understanding of residents as staff works to ensure reliable services and keep San Benito running smoothly.

The City of San Benito is proud to sponsor the first-ever HEART of San Benito Mile/5K Run & Walk, hosted by the San Benito Chamber of Commerce. The event will take place on March 14, 2026, at 7:30 a.m. at Heavin Trails in San Benito and is open to participants of all ages and fitness levels.

The City’s sponsorship reflects its continued commitment to promoting health, wellness, and community engagement. This inaugural event encourages residents and visitors alike to come together in support of active living and hometown pride.

Community members are invited to register and be part of this new San Benito tradition.

Come join us and kick off Hog Waddle at the HEART of San Benito 5K and fun run.

To register, click here.

The San Benito Parks and Recreation is inviting local youth to step up to the plate as registration for the upcoming baseball and softball season officially opens.

The City’s PONY Leagues are gearing up for a season of fun and competition, with games scheduled Monday through Friday at Stookey Park. Families can take advantage of a discounted registration rate of $30 for a limited time.

“The PONY Leagues are a great way for kids to stay active, learn teamwork, and enjoy the outdoors,” said Recreation Coordinator Jay Grienier. “We encourage parents to sign up early and secure a spot for their children.”

The season is set to begin next month. Registration is now open online. Click here to visit the registration site.

For more information, email Jay Grienier at GGrienier@cityofsanbenito.com.

The City of San Benito has received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2024.

The Certificate of Achievement represents the highest level of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting. An independent panel reviewed the City’s report and determined it met the program’s rigorous standards, including clearly communicating financial information and demonstrating full disclosure.

“This award reflects our commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible financial management,” city officials said.

During this week’s City Commission meeting, Mayor Ricardo Guerra and the San Benito City Commission formally recognized the City’s Finance Department for its work on the report. City Manager Fred Sandoval also commended the department for its dedication and for earning the award for several consecutive years.

The Government Finance Officers Association represents public finance officials throughout the United States and Canada and promotes excellence in public financial management.

The City of San Benito is proud to announce that Charley Crockett, a San Benito native and Grammy-nominated star, will be the official headliner for this year’s Hog Waddle. The festival is set for Saturday, March 14, 2026.

Crockett, known for his blend of country and blues, returns to his hometown for his first performance in San Benito. 

On his album The Valley, Crockett sings, “I’m from San Benito, Texas,” a nod to his roots.

Presale tickets start Monday at just $10, giving fans a chance to see the “$10 Cowboy” live at the San Benito Fairgrounds. 

General admission tickets start at $10, with VIP seating available starting at $50. Tickets are available now, giving fans the chance to see the hometown star perform live at one of San Benito’s most anticipated annual events. Tickets can be purchased online. Click here to purchase. 

A Celebration of History and Community

The Hog Waddle traces its roots back to when San Benito was an agricultural town. Today, the event honors that history while offering affordable, family-friendly activities such as live music, a cook-off, an Alamo reenactment, and performances by San Benito CISD. It’s a day for the community to come together and celebrate San Benito’s rich heritage.

The Hog Waddle is an annual festival celebrating San Benito’s community spirit with live music, local BBQ, and activities for all ages.

The City of San Benito began rehabilitation work this week on the Freddy Fender water tower, marking the first phase of a two-tower water infrastructure improvement project across the city. 

The project supports the city’s ongoing commitment to maintaining reliable water systems and ensuring long-term service for residents and businesses. Work on the Freddy Fender water tower is scheduled to begin the week of Jan. 12, 2026, and is expected to be completed by early March. 

Improvements include structural repairs, interior and exterior coating, and aesthetic enhancements such as refreshed paint and updated logo elements. The Freddy Fender tower is one the city’s most recognizable water towers for motorists driving along the interstate through and to San Benito. 

“This is an exciting opportunity to rehabilitate our elevated storage tanks to serve the residents of San Benito for the next twenty years,” said San Benito City Manager Fred Sandoval. “This is another example of the Mayor and City Commission’s ongoing vision and commitment to high-quality water delivery and public service.”

Tanksco Inc. is performing the rehabilitation work, with engineering oversight provided by KLM Engineering Inc.

Once crews complete work on the Freddy Fender water tower and return it to service, the City will begin rehabilitation of the Oscar Williams Road water tower. That phase of the project is expected to continue through early June.

The City of San Benito will provide updates to the community as the project progresses.

These upgrades align with the City’s long-term infrastructure strategy and help ensure safe, dependable water storage for the San Benito community.

The City of San Benito invites residents of all ages to take advantage of the many free programs and activities offered at the San Benito Public Library. From educational classes to family-friendly events, the library remains a welcoming hub for learning, creativity, and community connection.

The San Benito Public Library offers a wide variety of free opportunities, including:

• Computer Classes

• Astronomy Classes

• Story Time for children

• ESL (English as a Second Language) Classes

• Art Classes

• Cookie Decorating

• Coffee Services

• Mobile Fallingant Park activities

• Mobile First Responder Park activities

These programs are designed to engage the community, support lifelong learning, and provide enriching experiences for residents of all ages. Whether you’re looking to build new skills, explore a creative hobby, or enjoy quality time with your family, the San Benito Public Library has something for everyone.

Residents are encouraged to follow the City of San Benito and the San Benito Public Library on social media for program schedules, updates, and additional details.

For more information, visit the San Benito Public Library or contact the library directly.

The City of San Benito is proud to invite the community to its annual Christmas Festival, a two-day celebration filled with holiday spirit, family-friendly activities, and beloved local traditions. This year’s festivities will take place on December 5 and 6, bringing together residents and visitors for a joyful start to the holiday season.

Christmas on the Resaca – Tree Lighting Ceremony - December 5 · 6:00 p.m.Heavin Memorial Park

The festival kicks off with Christmas on the Resaca, the City’s traditional Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony along the picturesque resaca at Heavin Memorial Park. Attendees can enjoy an evening of holiday cheer with:

• Christmas tree lighting

• Carnival rides (at a cost)

• Vendors and holiday shopping

• Live entertainment

• Family activities and festive photo opportunities

This free community event has become one of San Benito’s favorite holiday traditions and marks the official start of the season in the city.

San Benito Christmas Parade

December 6 · 6:00 p.m.Downtown Sam Houston Blvd.

The celebration continues the following evening with the highly anticipated San Benito Christmas Parade in historic Downtown San Benito. This year’s parade will feature:

• Lighted floats

• Local schools and community groups

• Marching bands

• Holiday characters

• Special themed entries bringing the Christmas spirit to life

Residents are encouraged to arrive early to secure good viewing spots along Sam Houston Boulevard.

“We’re excited to welcome families from across the community to enjoy this year’s Christmas Festival,” said city officials. “These events bring our city together and showcase the heart of San Benito during the holiday season.”

Both nights are open to the public, and attendees are encouraged to bring their holiday spirit.

For more information, follow the City of San Benito on social media.

San Benito residents receive one brush/bulky item pickup per month (12 per year)!

> Set items at the curb before your scheduled week> Keep brush and bulky items in separate piles> Avoid placing items near meters, fences, or parked cars

Click here to view the full schedule and map: https://www.cityofsanbenito.com/DocumentCenter/View/6829/acceptablenon

Let’s keep San Benito beautiful and clean! 

The holiday season is quickly approaching, and the City of San Benito is preparing for its annual Christmas Parade!

This year’s parade will light up Downtown Sam Houston Boulevard on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 6 p.m. Families and visitors are invited to line the streets and experience an evening filled with twinkling lights, festive music, and the joy of the season.

Organized by the City of San Benito Parks & Recreation Department, the annual parade brings together schools, community groups, and local businesses for a  showcase of creativity and holiday spirit. From beautifully decorated floats to marching bands and holiday characters, this event captures the spirit of the Christmas season.

Those interested in participating in this year’s parade are encouraged to register early. 

Click here for entry forms and full parade guidelines.

All completed entry packets must be submitted to:San Benito Parks & Recreation705 N. Bowie St., San Benito, TX 78586

For more information or questions, please contact the Parks & Recreation Department at (956) 361-3800 or email pnrsupport@cityofsanbenito.com.

“The Christmas Parade is one of our favorites,” said Mayor Ricardo Guerra. “It’s a time when our community comes together and creates memories. We can’t wait to see everyone downtown this year.”

Mark your calendars, gather your family and friends, and get ready to celebrate the magic of Christmas in San Benito!

The City of San Benito proudly celebrates the 76th birthday of Mr. Alfred “Al” Wasielewski and recognizes his lifetime of dedication, service, and impact on our community.

From his service in the U.S. Navy to more than 40 years of commitment to the City of San Benito, Al has shown unwavering dedication every step of the way. His leadership has strengthened public safety, brought vital resources to our city, and inspired countless others through his professionalism and servant’s heart. 

In honor of his many contributions, September 29, 2025, has been officially proclaimed “Alfred Wasielewski Day” in the City of San Benito.

Please join us in wishing Mr. Wasielewski a very blessed 76th birthday and in thanking him for his lifelong service and lasting legacy in our community. 

The City of San Benito, through the San Benito Community Development Corporation, is offering financial assistance to residents who were impacted by COVID-19 at any time from 2020 to the present.

The program provides up to six months of payments for essential expenses, including:

• Utilities (water, gas, electric)

• Rent

• Mortgage

Payments will be made directly to utility providers, landlords, property managers, or mortgage companies on behalf of eligible residents.

“This assistance is meant to help our residents who continue to feel the effects of the pandemic, even years later,” city officials said. “If you’re unsure whether you qualify, we encourage you to call and find out.”

Funding availability is limited, and applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Residents interested in applying may call the City of San Benito at (956) 541-4955 during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Please be advised that the San Benito Library will be closed on Monday, September 29 while AEP disconnects power at 8 a.m. to replace a faulty meter.

Power will be out for at least 6 hours, and work will proceed as long as weather permits.

The library will reopen with normal hours on Tuesday, September 30.

Thank you for your patience while we make these important repairs! 

The San Benito Fire Department is offering free smoke detectors to residents as part of an effort to keep the community safe.

 San Benito residents who need assistance with installation may also qualify for help from the department.

“Protecting our families and community is our top priority,” said Fire Marshal Jorge Mata. “By ensuring homes have working smoke detectors, we can reduce the risk of tragedy and keep San Benito safe.”

 Residents who live within city limits and would like to request a smoke detector or installation assistance are encouraged to contact Fire Marshal Jorge Mata at (956) 658-8494.

SMOKE DETECTOR APPLICATION: https://www.cityofsanbenito.com/DocumentCenter/View/6770/SMOKE-ALARM-APPLICATION-002 

Get Ready, San Benito

The City of San Benito will host a Community Disposal Event on Saturday, September 20.

Residents are encouraged to begin collecting unwanted items in preparation for the event, which is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to keep San Benito clean and beautiful.

Accepted items include furniture, up to four tires per household, appliances without Freon, electronics and more. The event is open to San Benito residents only.

The Community Disposal Event provides residents with an opportunity to properly dispose of large household items while contributing to the overall beautification of the city.

The City of San Benito is excited to announce a School Supply Giveaway event this Wednesday, August 13 starting at 7 p.m. at the San Benito Fairgrounds. Supplies will be available while they last, so families are encouraged to arrive early to take advantage of this opportunity to prepare their children for the upcoming school year.

Following the giveaway, the community is invited to stay and enjoy Summer Movie Nights under the stars at the fairgrounds. This week’s featured film is the family favorite How to Train Your Dragon. Attendees are encouraged to bring snacks, blankets, and lawn chairs for a comfortable evening.

“We want to support our families by providing much-needed school supplies and a fun way to enjoy the summer evenings,” said Public Information Officer Cristina Garcia. “This event is a great way to come together as a community and get ready for the new school year.”

Event Details:

• What: School Supply Giveaway & Summer Movie Night

• When: Wednesday, August 13  starting at 7 p.m.

• Where: San Benito Fairgrounds

• Movie: How to Train Your Dragon

• What to Bring: Snacks, blankets, lawn chairs (optional)

Local residents traded their daily routines for bunker gear this summer as they joined the City of San Benito’s inaugural Citizens Fire Academy, a program designed to give the community a closer look at what it takes to be a firefighter.

Hosted by the San Benito Fire Department, the academy welcomed participants who will spend Thursday evenings learning about emergency response, fire suppression, rescue operations, and life-saving techniques.

“This program brings the public into the world of our fire department and shows them what it really takes to do this job,” said Public Information Officer Cristina Garcia.  “It builds understanding and strengthens the bond between our department and the community the fire department serves.”

Throughout the course, attendees will receive hands-on experience using fire equipment, drills, and even extinguishing live fires in controlled settings.

In addition to physical training, the academy featured classroom sessions on fire prevention, emergency medical services, disaster preparedness, and operations. Participants also met with on-duty crews, and gained insight into the department's emergency response procedures.

With the success of this first class, the Fire Department plans to offer future sessions and expand community involvement in fire prevention and preparedness.

To participate in the academy, attend any class throughout August 2025. Classes begin at 6 p.m. at Fire Station No. 1, 1201 S. Sam Houston Blvd.

We’ve drafted a set of goals, objectives, and actions for the City’s new Comprehensive Plan based on YOUR input from community meetings, surveys, and stakeholder discussions.Review the draft goals and objectives created: Draft City of San Benito Comprehensive Plan📝 Take a quick survey (it’ll only take 5 minutes!) to share your thoughts and let us know which projects should be top priorities.Survey: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/569dbbbfde524850ad5d4c45af2bca85Your voice matters to us! Help us ensure the plan reflects the needs and vision of the San Benito community!

On Thursday, March 27, 2025, city leadership, joined by San Benito EDC attorney Michael Pruneda, publicly shared significant updates on a recent development in an ongoing legal matter. Pruneda announced that the San Benito EDC has officially initiated legal action against Texas Regional Bank to protect public funds, assets, and the well-being of the San Benito community.

SAN BENITO, TEXAS – Six years after the initial proposal, the Resaca Village has not lived up to its promise to create 300 full- and part-time jobs and generate $10 million in annual sales.

 In 2017, the San Benito Economic Development Corporation (SBEDC) worked with VARCO Real Estate San Benito LLC to develop the 9.87-acre waterfront property along the resaca. VARCO, the real estate developer, promised they would bring in 20 new businesses, office spaces, and a community dock by the resaca in San Benito by 2022. (Click here to see letter from VARCO representative.)

In return for VARCO fulfilling those commitments, SBEDC would grant the developer the land for one dollar ($1) after 2033.

 As of January 2025, the Resaca Village remains mostly vacant, unfinished, and lacking the planned features that VARCO promised.

“This project has been dragged on for more than five years, which means the city is losing valuable property and sales tax revenue that could be used to pay for improved streets, public safety and many other services our citizens need,” said San Benito City Manager Fred Sandoval.

To complete the Resaca Village project and boost job growth, sales, business opportunities and quality of life, the city has proposed buying out VARCO, the developer of the stalled project.

One major obstacle to resolving this litigation in the best interest of taxpayers is VARCO’s claim that their unfinished project in San Benito is worth more than $8 million for the buildings alone.

In contrast, the fully finished shopping centers by the same developer are valued at only $4 million in Brownsville and $6 million in Harlingen, according to Cameron County Appraisal District property records.

“While there have been many twists and turns in this process, one thing that is crystal clear: the project is behind schedule and taxpayers are losing out on the revenue the project would generate for the city,” said Sandoval.

The agreement signed by VARCO in 2018 outlined a phased timeline for the buildings to be completed by 2022: 

First Phase: 12,600-square-foot area with a "boardwalk”

Second Phase: 10,000-square-foot area

Third Phase: 10,000-square-foot area

Fourth Phase: 10,000-square-foot area

“As responsible stewards of our taxpayer dollars, we are committed ensure the project’s completion and unlocking its full potential for the citizens of San Benito,” Sandoval said.

The City of San Benito is committed to keeping our community well-informed through regular updates.

Recently, Jesus “Chuy” Aguilera Jr. attempted to initiate a recall of the mayor and commissioners. For a recall to proceed, petitions must be signed by 35% of voters in each position.

After reviewing the petitions, there are not enough valid signatures—each position received fewer than 260. This is much lower than the more than 700 signatures required for a recall in each position. As a result, a recall cannot legally move forward.

This matter is now closed.

It’s important to remember that our mayor and commissioners were elected through a fair and democratic process that reflects the will of the voters.

Together, we will continue building a stronger, more united San Benito, focused on a bright future for all!

Public Notice:

City Offices will be closed for a short period on November 21st, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at (956) 361-3800.

Thank you for your understanding, and Happy Thanksgiving!

A Major Milestone for San Benito!

We’re proud to announce that the City of San Benito has earned the Excellence in Financial Reporting award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for our FY 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.

This prestigious recognition reflects our commitment to transparency, accountability, and sound financial management. 

San Benito City Manager Fred Sandoval provides a transparency update on VARCO’s dealings, announcing the release of a detailed timeline.

Hog Waddle Festival: February 20-23

Get ready for the Hog Waddle Festival, happening from February 20-23! 

Whether you're looking for great music, delicious food, thrilling rides, or just a good time with friends and family, this festival has something for everyone. Here's the schedule for each day:

Thursday, February 20th

• 5:00 PM - Carnival Opens*

Friday, February 21st

• 5:00 PM - Carnival Opens*
• 6:00 PM - Louie TheSinger
• 7:00 PM - Cheyenne
• 8:15 PM - Buck 'n Crazy
• 10:00 PM - Randy Rogers

Saturday, February 22nd

• 1:00 PM - Carnival Opens*
• 1:30 PM - Conjunto Showcase
• 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Lucha Libre
• 6:00 PM - Milla 22
• 8:00 PM - Viejones de Linares
• 10:00 PM - Cardenales 

Sunday, February 23rd

• 1:00 PM - Carnival Opens*
• 3:30 PM - School of Rock
• 7:30 PM - Whiskey D
• 8:00 PM - Thunderstruck: AC/DC Tribute Band

*Carnival rides sold separately at fairgrounds