Kingsville City Manager Carlos Yerena The Kingsville City Commission is expected to go behind closed doors at a meeting Tuesday to consider community leader and retired Celanese executive Darrell Nordeen as interim city manager once City Manager Carlos Yerena leaves his post here to become city manager of Harlingen.

Kingsville City Secretary Edna Lopez said the discussion of finding Yerena’s temporary replacement would be on the agenda for executive session.

After returning to open session to vote on Nordeen’s appointment, the city commission will discuss how it will proceed in finding a permanent replacement for Yerena, who was officially hired Wednesday as the Harlingen city manager.

The Harlingen City Commission approved a $140,000 a year contract for Yerena with a start date in his new post on Sept. 15.

According to Harlingen Human Resources Director Efren Fernandez, Yerena’s contract includes a $660 per month vehicle allowance, travel expenses if traveling more than 100 miles away from the city, and up to $5,000 for moving expenses,” he said.

“The contract also includes a five-month severance pay if he is ever let go, and his health insurance will take affect on his date of hire,” Fernandez said.

“Usually there is a three month wait for coverage but not in this case,” he said.

Fernandez said the vote to approve Yerena’s contact, which was presented by Harlingen Mayor Chris Boswell, was 4-1 with Commissioners Gus Ruiz, Robert Leftwich, Jerry Prepejchal, and Joey Trevino voting yes and Commissioner Korri Marra voting no.

Fernandez said the Harlingen city administration is anxiously awaiting Yerena’s arrival and is excited about a new beginning.

“We are looking forward to seeing him here; we had an interim city manager who has done a good job, but at least now with Mr. Yerena we can start fresh and he can blaze the trail for us to follow,” he said.

Yerena became the Kingsville city manager in November 2003. His current annual compensation with the City of Kingsville is $96,000.

Yerena has not been available for comment on his move to Harlingen.

Meanwhile, back in Kingsville, the city commission will have more on its agenda a replacement for Yerena.

A public hearing will be held to consider a tax increase.

The city commission will also discuss a water rate increase and a sewer rate increase.