City Secretary
The City Secretary's mission is to safeguard official records, share information with the public and administer elections.
Vanessa Trevino
City Secretary
Vanessa Trevino has served in a variety of positions with the City of La Joya, including roles in the Municipal Court, Utilities, Administration, and as a Volunteer Firefighter for La Joya Fire EMS Department. She has a background in administration, psychology, and holds a certification in business practices.
She currently serves as the Public Information Coordinator (PIC) for compliance with the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA) and as the Public Information Officer (PIO) for Emergency Management.
Department Description
As Permitted by the Home-Rule Charter:
The City Council shall appoint a City Secretary who shall report administratively to the City Manager ...
The duties of the City Secretary shall be to:
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prepare and post the notice of Council meetings;
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keep the minutes of proceedings of Council meetings;
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authenticate by signature and record in full, in a book kept and indexed for that purpose, all ordinances and resolutions passed by the City Council;
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hold and maintain the City Seal and affix the Seal to all instruments requiring it; and
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perform such other duties as may be specified by the City Council, City Manager, this Charter, or the laws of the State of Texas.
City Secretary Services
Meeting Agendas & Minutes
The City Secretary is charged with publishing notices of all public Meetings Agendas & Minutes and compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act.
Council Regular and Special Meetings are live streamed via our Zoom account. Specific information and links are found in the posted Council meeting agendas.
Persons interested in addressing the Council are required to submit a Public Forum Form to the City Secretary before any Council meeting.
Ordinances & Resolutions
As records custodian, the City Secretary maintains the Home-Rule Charter, Ordinances and Resolutions approved by the Council, as well as Mayoral Proclamations.
The La Joya Home Rule Charter and Ordinances will be codified by American Legal Publishing and made available online later this year.
Public Information
The City Secretary is the official records custodian for the City. The City Secretary also serves as the Public Information Coordinator (PIC) in compliance with the Texas Pubic Information Act (TPIA).
To obtain a publicly-available official record, you may contact the City Secretary or complete and return an Open Records Request Form.
Public Disclosures
State and local laws require certain disclosures relating to purchasing. Check Finance Department for required forms.
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Local Government Officers List (Ch 176)
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Current Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement(s) (Ch. 176): Laura Macias; Elias Macias.
Elections
The City Secretary charged with administering local elections. However, the City has an agreement with the Hidalgo County Elections Department to administer elections as per state law.
Registered voters may vote in La Joya at:
La Joya Youth Center
604 Salomon Chapa St
La Joya TX 78560
Register to vote before any election.
Vital Records
The City may have birth, marriage and death certificates for residents within the La Joya City Limits.
Individuals outside the City may contact the Hidalgo County Clerk's Office for more information.
Board Appointments
The City Secretary coordinates Council appointments to citizen advisory and other boards and committees.
Individuals interested in serving the City must complete a Board Action Form and submit it to the City Secretary 72 hours before a Council meeting.
Department Docs
More information regarding our Department.
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None
Department Forms
These forms will improve service delivery. Download, complete and return.
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Public Forum Form
External Links
Learn more about government regulators, funders, professional associations and partners: