< Back Irma Veloz Irma Veloz has worked as a licensed speech pathologist for nearly 20 years. As a supervising speech pathologist, she has been responsible for evaluating and treating patients in an outpatient clinic as well as a public school setting. Veloz also has been responsible for providing direct and indirect supervision to speech therapy assistants. A native of La Joya, Texas, Veloz was elected to the La Joya City Council in 2023. She is a graduate of La Joya High School. She earned her Bachelors of Arts in Communication Science & Disorders from the University of Texas Pan American, now University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and her Master of Science in Communication Science & Disorders from Texas Christian University . She has completed National Incident Management System (NIMS) training to ensure an effective response to our community during an emergency.

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 5: A New City Rises Wars, Water and Railroads Unsettled the Region Tabasco and Havana residents would once again endure the ravages of war as the Mexican Revolution of 1910 spilled into the Rio Grande Valley. U.S. Army troops would pass through the communities en route to points west as they defended the international border with Mexico. World War I (1914-1918) would contribute to the instability of the region during this period. During the early 20th century the foundations of a new era for the Rio Grande Valley were laid. First, the extension of railroads connected the region to commodity markets and people to the north. Second, the Texas Legislature enacted a law facilitating irrigation districts in 1913. The Valley was ready. At the end of the Mexican Revolution and WWI, the magical Rio Grande Valley experienced a migration of Anglo farmers that would transform the largely Latino ranchlands for good – and for bad. A New City on a Hill Education has been central to residents of western Hidalgo County. The Tabasco Independent School District organized before any municipalities in its service area, and would become one of the largest school districts in the Rio Grande Valley. In 1925 it began construction of a new school in Havana. As the Roaring 20s marked tremendous growth in the United States, Major S.L. Davidson and John H. Smith of Houston and J.T. Franklin of Austin saw an opportunity to further development by establishing a new municipality in Tabasco School District. Smith pushed for an election to incorporate a new city. On June 29, 1926, residents voted to incorporate the City of La Joya, Texas . Residents also elected Felix R. Vela as mayor; Alejandro Solis and Pablo Trevino as commissioners. The trio arguably are the first municipal government composed entirely of Latino elected officials in the region, at the time. Results of the incorporation election and its first governing body were filed on July 17, 1926. The community grew for a few years, until the Great Depression (1929) plummeted the nation into the unknown. Like many corporations and other municipalities, the City of La Joya closed its doors and ceased its operations to the public. More to follow... Previous Next

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

​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 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

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

The City Engineer's duties include supporting the Planning/Code Enforcement, Public Utility and the Public Works departments. City Engineer The City Engineer's duties include supporting the Planning/Code Enforcement, Public Utility and the Public Works departments. Department Description The City has an non-exclusive contract with RRP Consulting Engineers LLC for engineering services associated with: Planning/Code Enforcement Department Public Utility Department Public Works Department Plan ning & Zoning Commission Capital Improvements Advisory Committee External Links Learn more about government regulators, funders, professional associations and partners: RRP Consulting Engineers, LLC

The Planning/Code Enforcement Department mission is to plan for orderly community growth and promote its safety. Planning/Code Enf. The Planning/Code Enforcement Department mission is to plan for orderly community growth and promote its safety. Vacant Department Description Quick Facts Planning/Code Enforcement Department has three divisions that provide for community planning and safety: Animal Control; Code Enforcement; and Planning News Department Services Animal Control La Joya's Animal Shelter Division: Protects the public from stray and feral animals in La Joya; Provides shelter services to partner communities; Works with Animal Rescue Organizations to place animals in new homes; and Unites lost & found pets with their human. We urge pet custodians to spay and/or neuter your pets. Code Enforcement Code Enforcement ensures our community is protected from natural and human disasters by enforcing building codes, illegal dumping, weedy lot and other nuisance ordinances. Planning The Department works with developers, utility companies, the public on new commercial and residential subdivisions. The Department also works closely with: Planning & Zoning Commission Capital Improvement Advisory Committee Tree Advisory Committee RGV Stormwater Task Force The City has adopted the following building codes: ICC Building Code, 2018 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: AEP Tree or Street Light Problem Reporting American Planning Association (APA) International Code Council (ICC) Stormwater Taskforce TEEX Code Enforcement Program

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 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