Alton appoints new city secretary

The city of Alton welcomed its newest city secretary during Tuesday’s regular meeting.

Janie Flores, who has worked with the city for nearly ten years, is now the city secretary after the deputy city manager, Baudelia Rojas, decided to pass on her second title.

“We just thought this was the next step, both for Baudelia to move on and just be the deputy city manager without the slash and for somebody to step up and fill that role,” said Alton City Manager Jeff Underwood, “Which is Janie, because she’s really taking to it, working really hard for it.”

Inside city hall, applause erupted for Flores, whose administrative work began in Weslaco’s Planning Department, where she was the planning secretary until the summer of 2014.

Flores, interested in working with different communities, found herself in Alton.

In September 2014, she was hired as a planner, worked her way up, and took a chance at the opening for the assistant city secretary office.

“Baudelia is a great teacher and knows a lot about the subject area,” said Underwood. “She started passing all that knowledge to Janie, and she picked it up really well.”

In Weslaco, Flores worked alongside Alton City Manager Jeff Underwood, who briefly worked as Weslaco’s Planning Department Director. Familiar with her work ethic, Underwood decided to recommend her for the title.

“We’re very blessed to have her,” he said. “I’m really happy they took my recommendation.”

While serving as assistant city secretary, Flores learned the city’s heart and value: community.

“I learned that the heart of our city’s success lies in attention to detail, unwavering transparency, and a deep commitment to public service,” said Flores. “It has been incredible.”

As Flores moves into her role as city secretary, she remains committed to upholding transparency, integrity, and efficiency while holding city operations.

Flores also looks forward to obtaining her Texas Municipal Clerks Certification from the University of North Texas while balancing city duties.

“Being appointed as city secretary is a responsibility that I take very seriously, and I’m aware I have big shoes to fill professionally,” said Flores in a speech she gave Tuesday evening. “[I give] gratitude for this opportunity, and I’m honored to serve as city secretary for the city of Alton.”

She continued.

“I would like to thank the City Commission for placing their trust in me and I am excited about the future and eager to contribute  to the continued growth and success  of the City of Alton Community.”