During the council meeting under citizens communication, a member of the audience addressed Olivares’ issue.
“ If you give other employees leave of absences when they’re under investigation, why should he be treated any differently? ” said the woman. “The City Charter writers never envisioned that a city leader would be on a target subject list of the FBI.You have a choice to make this evening: a leave of absence or termination. I would also like to tell the people that according to Pro 8 News, several of you are on the FBI’s target list. Which we do not know why, but of course everyone is innocent until proven guilty. We’re going to see if you vote with the will of the people who elected you to office, or you vote with the manager to continue business as usual.”
The City Council then proceeded into executive session to discuss the issue and consult with their legal counsel. Once back in open session Mayor Saenz stated that the council would not be taking any action on the matter discussed. Saenz did state that Olivares had an announcement to make.
“I would like to thank the council for the opportunity you have given me to serve the city, but effective immediately I am retiring,” said Olivares, who added that he would not explain the terms of his retirement when asked by the mayor.
Administration and Saenz then explained to the audience that the retirement was pursuant to Olivares’ contract and what he was entitled to. Council proceeded to accept Olivares’ retirement. Olivares then walked out of the city council chambers. The City Council then moved to appoint Horacio De Leon as interim city manager.
Recently the FBI raided multiple offices in city and county government buildings executing search warrants as part of a public corruption probe. Saenz has publicly called the issue an embarrassment and stated that the City of Laredo welcomes the probe into any type of corrupt behavior.
“As public officials we need to be beyond reproach, we should be beyond this appearance of wrongdoing,” said Mayor Saenz.
The ongoing FBI investigation involves at least 17 individuals including public officials, according to media outlets from across the state .
No charges have been filed as of this time.