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The Finance Department's mission is to efficiently budget and account for financial resources used to provide public services. Finance Department The Finance Department's mission is to efficiently budget and account for financial resources used to provide public services. Rosa Trevino Interim Director Rosie Trevino has held a variety of positions with the City as Finance Director for 14 years, Peace Officer and Personnel Director. She is a native of La Joya, Texas. Department Description Quick Facts The Finance Department provides support for other municipal departments, the City Manager and the City Council. The Department has an Accounting Division and a Purchasing Division. News Finance Services Audit Reports Texas law requires municipalities to complete an annual audit. Comprehensive Financial Audit Report, Fiscal Year 2024 Comprehensive Financial Audit Report, Fiscal Year 2023 Comprehensive Financial Audit Report, Fiscal Year 2022 Comprehensive Financial Audit Report, Fiscal Year 2021 Comprehensive Financial Audit Report, Fiscal Year 2020 Bond Rating Cities demonstrating experienced governance, professional management and sound financial practices earn a high bond rating by independent rating agencies. This allows cities to borrow at better rates for their capital projects. S&P Global rated La Joya as "A " investment grade. La Joya is the only city west of Mission with a bond rating. Budgets The City Council is required to approve an annual budget by September 30. Municipal Budget, Fiscal Year 2025 Municipal Budget, Fiscal Year 2024 Municipal Budget, Fiscal Year 2023 Municipal Budget, Fiscal Year 2022 Municipal Budget, Fiscal Year 2021 Purchasing The Finance Department helps other municipal departments purchase goods and services from a variety of public and private vendors. State and local laws require certain disclosures relating to purchasing. Check City Secretary's Office for required filings. Conflict of Interest Statement (Ch. 176) Conflict of Interest Questionnaire (Ch. 176) Nepotism Disclosure Public Investment The Finance Department is charged with administering the Public Funds Investment Policy as required by the Public Funds Investment Act . The Finance Director serves as Chair of the Public Funds Investment Committee, which guides the City's investments. The City invests funds in TexSTAR and Local Government Investment Cooperative (LOGIC) investment pools. Transparency To improve public disclosure and accountability of municipal expenditures, the Finance Department will initiate participation in the Comptroller's Transparency Stars Program . Whistleblower Act Public employees who report public corruption are protected by the Texas Whistleblowers Act . Public officials, employees and the public may use the following information for reporting waste, fraud and abuse of federal, state and local programs: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (956.984.6300 ) Texas Attorney General's Office (800.252.8011 ) Texas Ranger's Public Integrity Unit (512.424.2160 ) Hidalgo County Criminal District Attorney (956.292.7600 ) Department Docs More information regarding our Department. Ethics Ordinance, Amended Department Forms These forms will improve service delivery. Download, complete and return. Disclosure External Links Learn more about government regulators, funders, professional associations and partners: Government Finance Officer Association of Texas (GFOA) Local Government Investment Cooperative (LOGIC) Lone Star National Bank Texas Comptroller Local Government Transparency TexStar

A brief history of the City of La Joya and surrounding communities on the United States border with Mexico. Brief History A brief history of the City of La Joya and surrounding communities on the United States border with Mexico. Chapter 1: Native Peoples to Spanish Explorers Native Peoples Settle Rio Grande Valley From the beginning, La Joya has been defined by its rich, fertile agrarian lands, its rolling hills and the lakes and river which gives it life. The Rio Grande Valley of South Texas was home to Coahuiltecans for thousands of years. These native peoples included tribes such as Aranamas, Bobole, Carrizo, Katuhanno, Kesale-Terkodams, Oregons, Pachal, Payayas and Tamiques. They lived off the land before the initial encounter with Europeans and Africans. North America’s “first” Settler are Spanish -- and African Before Pilgrims were forced to land on Plymouth Rock (1620), before Jamestown’s fort was established (1607), before Roanoke Colony failed (1590), before San Agustin (1565) was founded in La Florida, there was Penitas (1520) . The settlement, approximately three miles east of La Joya, has been largely lost to history due to its diminutive size and its unsanctioned status by Spain. It consisted of Father Zamora and five military officers and their enslaved Africans who abandoned the Pánfilo de Narváez to live along the native Calero people. Spanish Ancestors Defend “their” New Lands The first Europeans to travel through the area were Spaniards defending Nueva Espana from foreign invaders. In 1638 Jacinto García de Sepulveda and his party travelled along the Rio Grande, past the future side of La Joya and to the Gulf of Mexico in search of a Dutch expedition. It was never found. In 1687 Alonso DeLeon also followed the Rio Grande searching for French explorer, René Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, whose expedition had landed accidentally in Matagroda Bay in 1685 and attempted to establish a French colony. DeLeon discovered the remnants of the colony in 1689. The colony was decimated by the local native peoples who were defending their lands against the invading Spanish. This was a struggle destined to fail for the natives peoples who had lived in North America and along the Rio Grande for thousands of years. Though not recorded in history, the river crossing and adjacent ford at Los Ebanos, Texas was used by natives to traverse the river long before the first recorded use by Spaniards. Next

​The City Secretary's mission is to safeguard official records, share information with the public and administer elections. 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: prepare and post the notice of Council meetings; keep the minutes of proceedings of Council meetings; 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; hold and maintain the City Seal and affix the Seal to all instruments requiring it; and perform such other duties as may be specified by the City Council, City Manager, this Charter, or the laws of the State of Texas. News 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 . Meeting Agenda Archives 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. Local Government Officers List (Ch 176) 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. None Department Forms These forms will improve service delive ry. Download, complete and return. Board Action Form Open Records Request Form Public Forum Form External Links Learn more about government regulators, funders, professional associations and partners: Advocacy Alliance Center of Texas (AACT) Hidalgo County Elections Department Texas Municipal Clerks Association VoteTexas.gov

The Community Calendar provides date, time, venue and other information regarding business and social events for the City Council, advisory boards and other events important to our citizens. Join us. Calendar Come join us at our City Council, Board or other business meetings. Our Library and Parks also have events year-round. If you have a public event to promote, let us know. We alwayrs promote the La Joya and western Hidalgo County communities. Events Calendar December 2025 Today Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 More Info... Check back regularly for more information on municipal and other public events.

The La Joya Fire/EMS Department mission is to protect life and property. Fire/EMS Dept. The La Joya Fire/EMS Department mission is to protect life and property. Leroy Salinas Fire Chief Leroy Salinas has served as Fire Chief in several communities. Salinas is a certified Firefighter by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) . He is a native of La Joya, Texas. Department Description Quick Facts The La Joya Fire/EMS Department continues a proud legacy having started as a 100% Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) in 1989. Today the Department boasts: New $3.1 Million Fire Station (under construction) Fire-Based EMS (1 of 6 in Rio Grande Valley) Combination Career/Volunteer Department The La Joya Fire/EMS Department's mission is to provide the very best fire, rescue and medical care to the citizens of La Joya, Texas, through fire prevention and fire suppression programs, fire, rescue, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). We will be a key team player with citizens, local businesses and other government agencies working to maintain a proud community with a strong sense of safety and security and provide responsive services to the citizens by investing in training, education, staffing and equipment. We will be dedicated and compassionate professionals, who recognize our greatest strength lies in our team approach. We will be recognized as leaders in our profession and as community role models. News Fire/EMS Services Fire Prevention The Department's fire prevention efforts consist of inspecting buildings and educating the public about fire hazards. Fire Suppression La Joya Fire/EMS provides fire suppression services for its citizens and the public in a rural fire district. Emergency Medical Services The Department operates two ambulances providing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to La Joya and our neighbors in Sullivan City . Billing services are provide by Emergicom . Information on EMS bills is available at Emergicom, Pay My Bill . Dr. Carlos Palacio is the Medical Director. Department Docs More information regarding our Department. None Department Forms These forms will improve service delivery. Download, complete and return. None External Links Learn more about government regulators, funders, professional associations and partners: Hidalgo County Fire Marshal’s Office Texas Commission on Fire Protection Texas Fire Marshal Association State Firefighters & Fire Marshals Association Volunteer Firefighters - Texas

The City of La Joya is a Home-Rule, municipal corporation and body politic established in 1926. Community Description The location, the city and the people of La Joya, Texas. Location Nestled on gentle rolling hills between two lakes along western Hidalgo County sits the City of La Joya, Texas. La Joya is a land of transitions, where urban meets rural, the plains meet hills and the past meets the future. La Joya is bounded on the east by the historic community of Penitas (established in 1520); on the south by Texas Wildlife Management Areas, U.S. Fish & Wildlife property and the Rio Grande River; on the west by Sullivan City and the historic Los Ebanos Ferry; and on the north by thousands of acres of verdant farmlands. The recently completed $206 million U.S. Expressway 83 Relief Route connects the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission metro with Rio Grande City and Laredo along the United States-Mexico border. Municipality In 1926 residents of western Hidalgo County established the City of La Joya as a general-law municipal corporation and body politic. It became inactive during the Great Depression, then re-elected a City Commission in 1965. In 2013 La Joya became a Home-Rule municipal corporation governed by a City Council composed of a Mayor and four Councilmembers, all elected at-large. The City has adopted a Council-Manager form of government and has earned a Council-Manager Recognition by the International City Management Association (ICMA) . People With approximately 5,000 residents according to the U.S. Census , La Joya enjoys small town comforts with the convenience of nearby metro areas. But La Joya really is embodied in the heart of its youth, the spirit of its ancestors and the pride of a community. Rugged individuals like Jose Matias Tijerina established a frontier community in Havana. Descendants of Nathaniel Jackson and Matilda Hicks were among founders of La Joya. Their family helped enslave people along the Valley’s underground railroad. Havana resident Patricio Perez joined the just cause of fighting for freedom and equality with the Union during the Civil War. We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community. – Cesar Chavez Education has been central to La Joya, having one of the first schools in the region. Coyote pride on the gridiron is manifested through community activism for social justice. Leo J. Leo became a prominent civil rights activist during the 1960s before becoming Mayor. His son, Billy Leo also was active in state and national elections. This is the legacy of a rural community in the life of its state and nation. Official Designations It's official. The City has designated official flora and fauna for La Joya. Naturally. Tree Retama (Guaiacum Angustifolium ) This beautiful native tree bears fine green leaflets, green bark and bright yellow flowers. Flower Lantana (Lantana Horrida ) Showy heads of yellow, orange and red flowers decorate natural sites and yards around the City. Butterfly Lyside (Kricogonia Lyside ) This attractive, bright yellow or white butterfly thrives in chaparrals. Bird Roadrunner (Geococcyx Californianus ) This large, brown, crested, long-tailed bird runs along the roads, feeds and nests in chaparral, often entertaining its human admirers. Mammal Coyote (Canis Latrans ) Indigenous peoples of North America honor Brother Coyote and the people of the Border Region honor Mano Coyote with tales of its intelligence and wily exploits, and La Joya ISD support their beloved mascot. More Info... La Joya City Limits and Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) Map La Joya Municipal Organizational Chart

The La Joya Public Works Department mission is to maintain all municipal facilities. Public Works Dept. The La Joya Public Works Department mission is to maintain all municipal facilities. Department Description Quick Facts The Public Works Department is charged with maintenance and repairs of all municipal facilities. This includes: Municipal Buildings & Grounds Public Infrastructure (within public rights-of-way) Public Utility System (Water Distribution & Wastewater Collection) News Public Works Services Buildings & Grounds The Public Works Department maintains all municipal buildings and property owned by the City, such as parks. Public Infrastructure Public Works is charged with maintaining and repairing municipal streets, sidewalks and alleys as well as storm drains. This includes state roads within the City Limits. As per the Tree Ordinance, the Department maintains trees in public rights of way, but does not provide brush collection services. Limited brush collection service is provide by the City's solid waste collection company or by residents' private brush trimming contractors. Public Utilities Public Works also assists the Public Utility Department (PUD) with connecting, maintaining and repairing water distribution and wastewater collection systems. Department Docs More information regarding our Department. None Department Forms These forms will improve service delivery. Download, complete and return. None External Links Learn more about government regulators, funders, professional associations and partners: American Public Works Association

Photos of community activities in and around La Joya, Texas. Gallery Smile! This is Coyote country.

The Parks & Recreation Department mission is to provide facilities and programs for fun! Parks & Rec. Dept. The Parks & Recreation Department mission is to provide facilities and programs for fun! Vacant Director Department Description Quick Facts La Joys is a natural jewel, surrounded by thousands of acers of farms, wilderness and lakes. The Parks & Recreation Department provides facilities and programs focused on Seniors and Youths. We operate three parks and two community centers. Come play with us. Come enjoy a day outside. News Parks & Recreation Services Park Facilities The Parks & Rec Department has two community parks and one neighborhood park. Our outdoor facilities include: Baseball field Basketball courts (2) Football field Gazebos & BBQ pits Play stations (3) Soccer fields (2) Walking trails (3) Indoor facilities include our Senior Center and Youth Center. Senior Programs Senior have a home away from home at our Senior Center, which hosts a variety of events throughout the year. We also operate a regional Meals on Wheels Program with our partners Amigos del Valle . Drop by... everyone is welcomed. Youth Programs We offer little Texans in La Joya a variety of activities throughout the year, such as: Baseball Basketball Football Soccer Volleyball For more enrollment and other information, call us at: 956.581.7002 Department Docs Mor e information regarding our Department. Senior Center Programs Youth Basketball Spring Schedule, 2024 Youth Center Reservation Policy Department Forms These forms will improve service delivery. Download, complete and return. Enrollment Form Park Rental Form External Links Learn more about government regulators, funders, professional associations and partners: National Recreation and Parks Association Texas Las Palomas Wildlife Management Area Texas Recreation & Parks Society U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

The City of La Joya is nature's jewel. Western Hidalgo County is where urban areas meet agricultural lands, plains turn into gentle hills, surround by lakes and the Rio Grande Valley meets the future. Tourism La Joya is the destination for nature and history. Join us for the day or weekend. Ecotourism Just 15 minutes west of the McAllen metro area are thousands of acres of parklands and wildlife management areas. In La Joya, Texas, rich farmlands along the Rio Grande River meet gentle rolling hills and lakes and attract birds and other native wildlife. Visitors are able to fish and hunt, explore trails and enjoy nature throughout the year. These lands are managed by federal and state agencies as well as private land-owners. To the east are the National Butterfly Center in Mission, Texas and the World Birding Center at Bentsen State Park . Additional recreational opportunities are available at the Lower Rio Grande Wildlife Refuge (operated by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) and Las Palomas Wildlife Management Area (WMA) (operated by Texas Parks & Wildlife Department). The City of La Joya’s Parks & Recreation Department also manages three municipal parks with several recreational opportunities. Heritage Tourism La Joya is centerally-located along the Caminos del Rio Heritage Corridor which runs from Laredo to Brownsville. The corridor highlights this section of the Texas-Mexico border’s history and architecture. The Texas Tropical Trail also runs through La Joya between Laredo, Corpus Christi and Brownsville. Much of this trail includes U.S. Expressway 83 which is designated as the Texas Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway. La Joya traces its history to the 1767 establishment of Havana and the 1802 establishment of Tabasco. La Joya’s original townsite was just north of Tabasco and included it in the 1926 municipal incorporation. Havana residents joined La Joya as part of the 2016 annexation. Notable historical sites in La Joya include: La Joya Cemetery Nellie Leo Schunior School Los Ejidos De Reynosa Vieja Five minutes to the east of La Joya is the first settlement of Europeans and Africans in North America (Penitas, Texas ). South is the historic Tabasco Cemetery , located on private land, south of the historic Military Road. West of downtown La Joya are: Spanish colonial settlement of Havana, Texas and its private historic cemetery; Ghost town of Sam Fordyce, Texas ; Ancient Native Peoples’ Rio Grande River crossing and now Los Ebanos International Ferry; and Historic town of Rio Grande City, Texas in Starr County. Details on the history of La Joya and its neighboring communities is on our History page . Left: Charles Schunior Jr Building in Sam Fordyce, Texas, where U.S. Post Office was located. (Photo by Ame Gorena-Walsh) More Info... Hidalgo County Historical Commission Museum of South Texas History (MOST) Texas Historical Commission (THC) University of Texas-RGV Special Collections & Archives