Special City Council Meeting: Pretrial Hearing for Mayor's Removal – June 2, 2026

On June 2, 2026, the Corpus Christi City Council held a special meeting to conduct a pretrial hearing regarding the removal action of Mayor Paulette Wahardo. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pro Tem Carolyn Vaughn at 9:00 AM in the Council Chambers. The primary agenda item was to address preliminary and procedural matters for the removal proceedings, including motions for recusal, disqualification, scheduling, and other related issues.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Multiple residents spoke during the public comment period, which was limited to one minute per speaker due to time constraints.
• Some speakers expressed support for the removal proceedings, alleging fraud, incompetence, and corruption by the mayor. For example, one speaker stated the mayor had "failed us" and referenced "thuggery" and ethical corruption.
• Other speakers opposed the removal process, arguing it was politically motivated, a "circus," and that the council should not act as judge, jury, and executioner. One speaker called for the matter to be referred to an ethics committee and noted the cost to taxpayers.
• Specific residents who spoke included: Captain Day, Rachel Caballero, Susie Saldania, Sandy Fernandez, Alberta Sartuche (veteran from District 3), Julian Hernandez, Alejandro Benavidez, Mark Munster, and Melinda Delos Santos.

Discussion Items

• Motion to Streamline Pretrial Hearings: Councilman Paxton moved to authorize the Mayor Pro Tem to rule on motions and schedule dates, subject to objections from the City Council. After debate about fairness and adherence to Robert's Rules of Order, the motion passed with a vote (aye/opposed).
• Recusal Motion: Mayor's counsel John Flood argued that councilmembers who were witnesses to disputed facts (e.g., those who participated in earlier council meetings regarding the Homewood Suites incentive) must recuse themselves under Texas Supreme Court's Bradley decision. He called the proceedings void. Petitioner's attorney Mr. Allison countered that a federal judge had already rejected similar arguments and that the city charter required the council to proceed. The Mayor Pro Tem denied the recusal motion; Councilman Scott objected, but the denial was upheld by vote.
• Motion to Strike Pleadings: Mayor's counsel argued the articles of impeachment lacked sufficient notice and specificity, violating due process. Petitioner's counsel argued the articles were detailed and provided ample notice. The motion was denied.
• Motion to Modify Rules of Procedure: Petitioner's counsel proposed amendments to the procedural rules, arguing they would improve due process and address concerns. Mayor's counsel argued the changes violated the charter and Robert's Rules. The Mayor Pro Tem approved most changes, except for proposed changes to sections one, four D, six D, and seven, after an amendment to conform with the earlier vote. Councilman Scott objected, but the motion carried.
• Subpoenas and Witness Lists: The council authorized attorneys for both parties to issue subpoenas as requested, with the requesting party responsible for service.
• Scheduling: The council set a removal hearing for July 22 and 23, 2026, at 9:00 AM, with additional dates reserved for pretrial on June 8 and9. Mayor's counsel objected to hearing dates less than45 days away, citing due process concerns. The Mayor Pro Tem adjusted the schedule to accommodate the objection.

Key Outcomes

• Recusal Motion Denied: The council voted to deny the motion to recuse councilmembers who were allegedly witnesses.
• Motion to Strike Denied: The council voted to deny the motion to strike the articles of impeachment.
• Procedural Rules Modified: The council approved amendments to the procedural rules for the hearing (except for certain sections), over the objection of Councilman Scott.
• Subpoenas Authorized: Both sides were authorized to issue subpoenas.
• Hearing Scheduled: The removal hearing was scheduled for July22 and23,2026, at9:00 AM, with additional pretrial dates on June8 and9 (to be confirmed).