Mayor Wagner Says Belize City Council Finances Are in Good Standing

Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner says the City Council is in good financial standing as he prepares to leave office at the end of his third consecutive term. Wagner gave that assessment while discussing the council’s finances and the transition to new leadership. 

Wagner was first elected mayor in March 2018 and returned to office in 2021 and 2024. His third victory made him the first Belize City mayor elected to three consecutive terms. His current term runs until 2027, and he has said he will not seek re-election.  His time at City Hall has included the financial pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of Hurricane Lisa in 2022. Wagner previously said the pandemic sharply reduced council revenue, but his administration retained staff without cutting their salaries.  As he approaches the end of his tenure, Wagner has identified street improvements, public transportation and social infrastructure among his remaining priorities. Those include expanding the city’s electric bus service, completing bus stops on Albert Street and advancing work on the Yarborough Fish Market.