Ruben Esquivel is the new chief building official for the city of Del Rio.

Esquivel, who was born and raised in Del Rio, was introduced to city council members during a council meeting.

City Engineer Robert Parker told city council members that Esquivel was employed as a building inspector by the city in March 2001. Esquivel was promoted to electrical inspector in May 2003 after obtaining his master electrician license, Parker said.

Parker noted that Esquivel was again promoted in January 2006, this time to deputy chief building official, a position he then held until his recent appointment as chief building official.

Parker told the council Esquivel also has served as interim chief building official, “assisting with departmental operations” following the resignation of the former chief building official.

“As chief building official, Mr. Esquivel will perform a variety of routine and complex administrative, supervisory and technical work in administering and enforcing building and related codes for the city of Del Rio,” Parker said. Parker also read all of the certifications Esquivel has received, which include the following: certified commercial building inspector, certified building plans inspector, certified residential building inspector, certified residential plumbing inspector, certified residential mechanical inspector, certified residential combination inspector, certified electrical plans examiner, certified electrical inspector, certified residential electrical inspector, certified commercial electrical inspector and master electrician.

Parker said Esquivel is in the process of obtaining his chief building official certification, and has already successfully passed the first of a two-part series. He said Esquivel is scheduled to take the final examination this month.

“I would like to thank you and city staff for giving me the opportunity to serve as the city of Del Rio chief building official,” said Esquivel, who then promptly introduced the other members of the city's code compliance staff. Esquivel thanked City Manager Frances Rodriguez and Parker for allowing him and his staff to attend the training needed to achieve certification in various areas.

“We will continue to provide the best possible service to the city and the citizens of Del Rio,” Esquivel said.