Edinburg City Council Recognizes National Champions, Library Week and Police Leadership During April 21 Meeting
Edinburg City Council, Golden Spurs Dance Team, National Library Week, Chief of Police Jaime Ayala, Valley Metro
Arnoldo Mata
Edinburg TX – The Edinburg City Council recognized student achievements, public safety leadership and community initiatives during its April 21, 2026 meeting, while also approving agreements related to public transportation services and receiving public comment on infrastructure, taxes and neighborhood safety.
Mayor Omar Ochoa opened the meeting noting upcoming city events including the rescheduled Dirty Duathlon at Doolittle Nature Park, Día de los Niños, Día de los Libros activities at the city library and the South Texas Junior Olympics scheduled May 1 through May 3.
Golden Spurs Dance Team Recognized as National Champions
Council presented a proclamation recognizing the Edinburg North High School Golden Spurs Dance Team as 2026 National Grand Champions following their performance at the Showtime International Grand Nationals Dance Competition in Galveston.
The team earned national titles in multiple categories and achieved first runner-up overall among more than 400 routines at the competition.
“We represent our city with pride,” a team representative told council members. “We have been working very hard for the past years and this is the seventh title that we get.”
Mayor Ochoa praised the students’ dedication and recognized the role of families in supporting the achievement.
“I know how much work you put into this. You all put your heart and souls into this,” the mayor said.
City Proclaims National Library Week
Council also proclaimed April 19–25 as National Library Week in the City of Edinburg, recognizing the Dustin M. Sekula Memorial Library for its role in providing access to educational resources and community programming.
Library Director Leticia Leija highlighted recent programming, including a community health fair attended by approximately 500 participants and a job fair connecting more than 700 job seekers with 57 employers.
“Our library continues to be a place where people of all ages can learn, connect, and grow,” Leija said.
City officials noted the library has received the Texas Municipal Library Directors Association Achievement of Excellence in Libraries Award for 16 consecutive years.
Police Chief Receives State Leadership Award
Council presented a certificate of recognition to Police Chief Jaime Ayala as recipient of the Texas Police Chiefs Association Mike Gentry Executive Leadership Award. “This award acknowledges what we see every day, a leader who balances the weight of command with the heart of a public servant,” a city representative said during the presentation.
Ayala thanked city leadership and department personnel for their support. “We as an organization cannot get the recognition or accomplish what we have been able to accomplish without mayor and council support,” Ayala said. “It can’t be done without partnerships and relationships.”
Mayor Ochoa cited the department’s initiatives as examples of leadership and service to the community. “You have shown innovation… but more than anything, you’ve shown a heart for the community,” the mayor said.
Public Comments Address Taxes, Infrastructure and Safety
During public comment, residents raised concerns about taxes, infrastructure planning and neighborhood safety.
Fern McClarty urged the city to prioritize financial planning related to bonds and infrastructure investments. “The overwhelming number would say, lower my taxes,” McClarty said, referencing concerns about property values and municipal debt.
Laura Garza spoke about traffic safety concerns in residential neighborhoods and requested traffic calming measures. “I have personally witnessed cars traveling well above the speed limit… these conditions create a dangerous environment,” Garza said.
Diane Teeter discussed water infrastructure planning and highlighted the importance of long-term investment in alternative water sources. “The outcomes we’re living with today are the direct result of the choices we made yesterday,” Teeter said.
Edinburg Fire Chief Omar Garza addressed council regarding the Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters campaign scheduled April 26 through May 3 to honor fallen firefighters nationwide. “Our department will be participating in honoring Chief Snyder,” Garza said.
Representatives from NAMI South Texas Rio Grande Valley also addressed council regarding the upcoming NAMI Walk scheduled May 9 at Richard R. Flores Stadium to promote mental health awareness. “One in five people will experience a mental health challenge in their lifetime,” organizers said.
Council Approves Transportation Agreement
Council approved an interlocal agreement with the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council Valley Metro to support public transportation routes serving Edinburg.
Executive Director Manny Cruz reported ridership totals continue to increase. “As of the end of January… 430,000 total rides,” Cruz said, noting a majority of usage occurs within Edinburg.
Cruz reported 47,620 direct route passengers and approximately 146,970 riders using connecting routes during the current fiscal year.
Executive Session Concludes Without Action
Council entered executive session to discuss personnel matters, real property and economic development. No action was taken upon returning to open session.