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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

Drop by, call, mail or chat us up.  We are here to help. Contact Us Drop by, call, mail or chat us up. We are here to help. First Name Last Name Street Address City State Zip Code Phone Email Messages Subscribe to La Joya's newsletter Send Thanks for contacting La Joya! City of La Joya 701 E Expressway 83 La Joya TX 78560-4051 956.581.7002 info@lajoyatx.gov Accessibility Statement Privacy Policy Department Directory

The La Joya Municipal Court's mission is to adjudicate cases in the interest of justice. Municipal Court Justitia Omnibus The La Joya Municipal Court's mission is to provide an accessible legal forum for individuals to have their Court matters heard in a fair and efficient manner while providing a high level of integrity, professionalism and customer service. Azanett Garcia Court Clerk In 2022 the Council confirmed the appointment of Azanette Garcia as Municipal Court Clerk. As authorized by Government Code, Chapter 29 , "The clerk shall keep minutes of the proceedings of the court, issue process, and generally perform the duties for the municipal court that a county clerk performs for a county court." Department Description Quick Facts The La Joya Home-Rule Charter approved by voter in 2013 established a Municipal Court "... for the trial of misdemeanor offenses with all powers and duties granted by the laws of the State of Texas." The Mayor and City Council are authorized to appoint a Presiding Judge "... for a term of four (4) years to run concurrently with the term of office of Mayor. Compensation shall be set by the City Council and may not be reduced during the term of office for which the Judge was appointed. ... In the absence or disability of the Judge, the City Council shall appoint an interim judge to preside over the Municipal Court." News Municipal Court Information Judges Alejandro "Alex" Cantu Linda Sarabia Anthony Uresti Court Hours Municipal Court is in session every Wednesdays, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm -- except for Night Court. Night Court Night Court is in session the third Wednesday of every month, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. La Joya Municipal Court 701 E Business 83 La Joya TX 78560-4051 Courtroom Decorum Judge Lee R. Alaniz has issued rules governing Courtroom decorum, part of the Court's Standing Orders . Texas Penal Code, Chapter 46 prohibits any person from carrying a firearm or other weapon on the premises of government Courts and Court offices. Pay Traffic Fines Traffic fines may be paid at the La Joya Municipal Court, located at La Joya City Hall by money order only, or you may pay traffi c fines o nline . Trials Cases are adjudicated by a Municipal Court Judge. The City Attorney serves as Prosecutor. Department Docs More information regarding our Department. Standing Orders Department Forms These forms will improve service delivery. Download, complete and return. Court Records Request Form External Links Learn more about government regulators, funders, professional associations and partners: State Commission on Judicial Conduct Texas Court Help Texas Court Clerks Association Texas Municipal Courts Association Texas Municipal Courts Education Center

The La Joya Police Department's mission is to protect and serve. Police Department The La Joya Police Department's mission is to protect and serve. Ramon Gonzalez Police Chief Ramon Gonzalez held a variety of positions in the La Joya Police Department before becoming Chief. He is a U.S. Marine Corps. Veteran. Gonzalez recently earned his Masters degree. Department Description Quick Facts The La Joya Police Department (LJPD) strives to provide the highest quality service, preserving human rights, lives, and property while attempting to achieve the mission goals of the Department, the City, and the community. We will work in partnership with our citizens to problem solve and meet the challenges of reducing crime, creating a safer environment and improving the community members’ quality of life. News La Joya PD Divisions Criminal Investigations The Criminal Investigation Division (CID) investigates crimes reported in our jurisdiction. Communications The Communications Division is an essential part of the Department and is staffed 24/7/365, including holidays & weekends. To work as a communications officer much training is involved such as certification by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Our communications officers handle 911 emergency calls for service, requests and/or any citizens needs. Our communications department also maintains constant contact with the police officers via a 2-channel radio in which calls for service are dispatched and reports are taken. Any pertinent reports also are kept in the communications office. We handle all other non-emergency calls through our non-emergency number: 956.585.4855 . Should you have any questions and/or concerns don’t hesitate to call us. Patrol Patrol Division is composed of the officers assigned to uniformed patrol, which are the first to respond to calls for assistance in the community. The Patrol Division operates 24/7/365, and it consists of three shifts. The Division provides general police services in its daily operations. Records The Records Division is an essential part of the La Joya Police Department. Division personnel assist the public in obtaining reports such as automobile accidents, offense reports and incident reports. The Division archives all police records pertaining to any incidents that occur within the City of La Joya, such as arrests that our officers have made or any other important documents that need to be filed. The records clerk is available to assist with automobile accidents, offense and incident reports or to arrange contact with a Police Officer. The Records Division is open Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Our records phone number is 956.585.4855 . Emergency Operations Center (EOC) During a natural or civil emergency, the Mayor may activate the La Joya Emergency Operations Center (EOC) as authorized by the City's Emergency Operations Plan. The City Council has named Chief Ramon Gonzalez as the Emergency Management Coordinator (EMC). Department Docs More information regarding our Department. None Department Forms These forms will improve service deliv ery. Download, complete and return. Complaint Form External Links Learn more about government regulators, funders, professional associations and partners: Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Texas Police Chiefs Association Texas Police Association U.S. Department of Homeland Security

A listing of former municipal officers charged with the daily operations of the City of La Joya. Former Officials A listing of former municipal officers charged with the daily operations of the City of La Joya. Public Service is a calling to contribute to the daily life of a community. Over the years, the City of La Joya has been served by a cadre of trained professionals. These municipal officers are recruited, appointed and confirmed by the Council. If you know of someone who's served our community, please contact us so that we may document our institutional knowledge and acknowledge their service.

The Personnel Department's mission is to recruit and retain talented public servants. Personnel Dept. The Personnel Department mission is to recruit and retain talented public servants. Department Description Quick Facts Welcome. The City of La Joya is building a new future everyday. Join us. We recruit and retain talented professionals to provide a variety of municipal services to our citizens. The City of La Joya is a recognized as a professionally-managed municipality by the International City Management Association (ICMA) . Personnel Services Employee Benefits La Joya provides a competitive benefits package which includes: Competitive Salaries Health Insurance Vision/Dental Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) Other Annual Leave benefits Employment Opportunities The City is currently recruiting qualified applicants for the following positions: Building Maintenance If interested complete an application, link below and return it to our office or via personnel@lajoyatx.gov . For more information, contact us at: 956.581.7002 . Municipal Holidays Municipal offices are closed in observance of official holidays. New Year's Day (Dec 31-Jan 1) MLK Day (3rd Monday of Jan) Presidents' Day (3rd Monday in Feb) Easter (Good Friday & Easter Monday) Memorial Day (Last Monday in May) Juneteenth (Jun 19) Independence Day (Jul 4) Labor Day (1st Monday in Sep) Indigenous Peoples Day (2nd Monday in Oct) Thanksgiving (3rd Thursday & Friday in Oct) Christmas (Dec 24-25) Volunteer Opportunities "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world... " Margaret Mead Join our municipal family by volunteering for: Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Library Helper Volunteer Firefighter Just complete and return the Employee/Volunteer Application . :-) Department Docs More information regarding our Department. Organizational Chart Department Forms These forms will improve service delivery. Download, complete and return. Citizen Complaint Form Employment/Volunteer Application External Links Learn more about government regulators, funders, professional associations and partners: Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Texas Municipal Human Resources Association Texas Municipal League (TML) Career Center

​La Joya citizens approved a Council-Manager form of government in 2013.  The City Manager is the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the City.  He reports to the Mayor and Council. City Manager La Joya citizens approved a Council-Manager form of government in 2013. The City Manager is the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the City. He reports to the Mayor and Council. Jaime Sandoval City Manager Jaime Sandoval is a career public sector professional having served in several local government positions. He began his career with the County of Hidalgo's Human Services Division and the Urban County Program . Sandoval also served in leadership roles for the City of Donna and the City of Alamo , as well as Assistant City Manager for the City of Mercedes and City Manager for the City of La Feria . Sandoval is a graduate of Pan American University (now the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley). Department Description As authorized by the Home-Rule Charter, the City Manager shall: with the advice and consent of the City Council , appoint and remove all department heads of the City, except as otherwise provided in this Charter or by Ordinance; with the advice and consent of the City Council, determine proper and just compensation for all department heads; attend all meetings of the City Council, taking part in discussion but, having no vote, and shall be notified of all special meetings of the City Council; see that all laws, provisions of this Charter, and acts of the City Council, subject to enforcement by the City Manager or by officers subject to his or her direction and supervision, are faithfully executed; prepare and submit the annual budget and capital program to the City Council; submit to the City Council and make available to the public a complete report on the finances and administrative activities of the City as of the end of each fiscal year; kept the City council fully advised as to the financial condition and future needs of the City and make such recommendations to the City Council concerning the affairs of the City; make sure other reports as the City Council may require concerning the operations of the City departments, offices, and agencies subject to his or her direction and supervision; and perform such other duties as are specified in the Charter or may be required by the City Council or the laws of the State of Texas. External Links Learn more about professional associations and partners: International City Management Association (ICMA) National Association of Latino Elected/Appointed Officials (NALEO) Texas City Management Association (TCMA)

The City of La Joya includes accessibility throughout our internal policies and takes measures to ensure accessibility of our website: lajoyatx.gov. Accessibility Statement The only disability is when people cannot see human potential. Debra Ruh Measures to Support Accessibility T he Ci t y of La Joya includes acce ssibility throughout our internal policies and takes measures to ensure accessibility of lajoyatx.gov. Conformance Status The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) defines requirements for designers and developers to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. It defines three levels of conforman ce: Level A, Level AA, and Level AAA. The City is partially conformant with WCAG 2.1 level AA. Partially conformant means that some parts of the content do not fully conform to the accessibility standard. Contact Us We welcome your comments on the accessibility of the lajoyatx.gov. Please let us know if you encounter accessibility barriers on lajoyatx.gov by e-mailing us at info@lajoyatx.gov . We try to respond to feedback within two business days. Thank you for visiting us. This statement was created on 15 August 2021 using the W3C Accessibility Statement Generator Tool .

The City of La Joya Code of Ethics. Ethics The Home Rule Charter requires the City Council adopt a Code of Ethics. The Council adopted a code in 2021 and amended it in 2024. Code of Ethics Purpose . This Code of Ethics reinforces existing federal, state, local and professional standards of ethical conduct, and related legal requirements by requiring professional development training for individuals acting on behalf of the City. Training . Elected and appointed officials, board members, and municipal employees and certain vendors shall complete designated hours of professional development training on federal, state and/or local ethics laws, policies and procedures (see table below). This training shall supplement any training required of individuals by federal, state and local laws or by professional associations. Training shall be completed within ninety (90) days of assuming office; or being hired, respectively. The Council are encouraged to participate in the Texas Municipal League Institute (TMLI) Certification for Local Officials program. Screening . Candidates for boards and commissions must complete and submit a Board Appointment Form 72 hours before appointment by the Council. This form must be filed in the City Secretary’s Office . Committee . An Ethics Advisory Committee is established to advise the Council on ethics for public organizations. The Committee shall consist of five (5) members appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the Council. Committee membership shall include one member of each individual class (see table above). Review . This ordinance shall be reviewed annually by the Committee. The Committee shall report their findings and recommendations to the Council for further action, if necessary. Penalties . Elected officials failing to comply with this ordinance shall be a assessed a fine of $75.00. Appointed officials, employees or volunteers failing to comply with this ordinance shall be subject to disciplinary action. Committee members may be subjected to removal from their appointed office. Vendors may have contracts voided by the City Manager or the Council. Ethics Laws T he City must comply with state laws (statutes or codes) as well as local local laws such as the Municipal Home Rule Charter, Ordinances, Personnel Handbook, Accounting Procedures, Purchasing Manual, Administrative Regulations, and Departmental regulations. Department Docs More information regarding our Department. Ethics Handbook, 2022 Ethics Training Presentation, 2022 Department Forms These forms will improve service delive ry. Download, complete and return. Board Action Form External Links Learn more about government regulators, funders, professional associations and partners: Federal Bureau of Investigation _San Antonio Hidalgo County Criminal District Attorney Texas Attorney General's Office Texas Ethics Commission Texas Rangers - Weslaco