Mayor Paulette Guajardo’s 30-day suspension comes as Corpus Christi leaders prepare to vote on the 2027 budget and Inner Harbor Desalination Project.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — After months of a contentious removal process that ended with a 30-day suspension and a reprimand for Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo, City Council is now looking ahead to what comes next at City Hall.

Mayor Pro Tem Kaylynn Paxson will temporarily lead the city while Guajardo serves her suspension, which began Aug. 8 and is scheduled to end Sept. 6. Guajardo is expected to return to City Hall on Sept. 7.

The suspension comes as the city faces several major decisions, including approving its 2027 budget and voting on the Inner Harbor Desalination Project, which was previously tabled until September 1.

City Councilman Roland Barrera said the next month will be particularly important.

“These next 30 days is a crucial time for us to approve the budget, and now you have an individual that represents the entire city, and has been working diligently to get us to where we’re at, and now the mayor’s gonna be removed from that process,” Barrera said.


Council could face 4-4 votes

With Guajardo out of office, eight council members will vote during the upcoming meetings instead of nine.

Barrera said that could create challenges if the council becomes evenly divided on an issue.

“If it’s deadlocked and it’s split four to four, then whatever item that is doesn’t pass. So that could be a challenge,” Barrera said.

Council members have said they recognize that having Guajardo out of office is not ideal, particularly with major city business on the horizon. However, they also say they are focused on working together and keeping city operations moving.


Council members reflect on cost of removal process

The removal proceedings also came with significant costs in legal fees and city staff time.

“It’s a travesty to the taxpayer. I mean, we spent hundreds of thousands of dollars just basically when we have an election that’s less than 90 days away,” Barrera said.

Councilman Mark Scott agreed that the process has taken a toll on the council.

“It’s taken a lot of time, a lot of money, a lot of energy. I suspect most council members were like me, we’re all exhausted, were exhausted,” Scott said.

3NEWS asked the city about the cost and staff time, and was told an open records request would need to be submitted to determine exactly how much time and energy has been invested.


Mayor Pro Tem Kaylynn Paxson temporarily takes the helm

With Paxson temporarily serving in Guajardo’s place, Scott said he hopes council members can focus on working together.

“The mayor’s office and the city secretary’s office, they’re a machine. And so they’re gonna be very helpful to Kaylynn, because this is their opportunity to show off too,” Scott said.

The next month will include work on the city’s 2027 budget and a potential vote on the Inner Harbor Desalination Project.

Another question surrounding Guajardo’s suspension is whether she will continue receiving her salary during the 30-day period.

3NEWS has reached out to the city’s attorney’s office for clarification and is awaiting a response. We will provide updates when more information becomes available.