(This story was updated to add new information.)
Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo won’t be removed from her office, but will be under a 30-day suspension, a City Council tribunal decided Aug. 7.
The final determination — a culmination of four days of evidence presentations, witness testimony and tense debate — was made after a nearly 2½-hour closed-door meeting.
The suspension is based on findings by the council that Guajardo had committed “misconduct, malfeasance, incompetence, or inability or willful neglect of performance” related to a controversy involving a $2 million tax incentive agreement for development of a new downtown Homewood Suites hotel.
City Councilwoman and Mayor Pro Tem Kaylynn Paxson will assume the responsibilities of the mayor during Guajardo’s suspension.
The hearing represents the third of its kind in Corpus Christi.
Guajardo faced a removal hearing after six registered voters submitted a petition roughly a year ago requesting her ousting, accusing her of misconduct or malfeasance related to the tax incentive agreement.
Representatives of both Elevate QOF LLC, who developed the hotel, and Guajardo have denied wrongdoing in the matter.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Kirsten Crow covers city government and water news. Have a story idea? Contact her at kirsten.crow@caller.com.
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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo suspended but will keep office
Reporting by Kirsten Crow, Corpus Christi Caller Times / Corpus Christi Caller Times
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By Kirsten Crow, Corpus Christi Caller Times | USA TODAY Network
