Edinburg City Council Sets Election Canvassing, Swearing In Ceremonies For Nov. 12
Arnoldo Mata
EDINBURG, TEXAS — During this week’s regularly scheduled City Council meeting, the Edinburg City Council discussed a special meeting set for Wednesday, Nov. 12, at 6 p.m. to canvass election results and order the run-off election.
The run-off election will feature Place 2 incumbent Jason DeLeon and challenger Moises Segovia. A third candidate, Eddie Badillo, pulled enough votes to deny either Segovia and DeLeon the votes necessary to claim an outright victory.
According to the Texas Election Code, runoff elections are scheduled on Saturday, December 13, 2025. This date is set by the Texas Secretary of State specifically for runoffs from the November 4, 2025. Cities must canvass election results to allow time for the runoff. Early voting for the runoff will run from December 1 to December 9, 2025.
In other business during the November 5th meeting, the Council discussed a full agenda that included community events, proclamations, zoning and development requests, and a series of city and economic development items. The meeting also marked the final regularly scheduled session for Mayor Ramiro Garza Jr., who was recognized for his leadership and service to the city.
City Manager’s Report
City Manager Myra Ayala provided an update on upcoming community events.
She informed the council that the U.S. Air Force “Sound of Freedom” concert, originally scheduled for November 7, was postponed due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
She also invited residents to attend the Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, November 8, at 9:30 a.m., beginning at Richard R. Flores Stadium and traveling north on Closner Boulevard to Kuhn Street. Ayala reminded participants that floats must be ready and loaded by 9:00 a.m. for eligibility in the float judging and awards competition.
That evening, the city will host the Stars, Stripes & Sounds Concert at the Promenade Park Amphitheater from 6:00 to 10:30 p.m. The free event will feature Sammy Arriaga, Kelo McKane, and local band Draft, honoring veterans and active-duty service members with an evening of live music and community celebration.
Proclamations
The council recognized members of the 2025–2026 Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, a program designed to engage high school students in civic leadership and local government.
Brandon Esparza, with the City Manager’s Office, introduced the new cohort, highlighting the program’s roots in the city’s Vision 2040 Initiative. He also paid tribute to the late Sabrina Walker Hernandez, who previously chaired the program and inspired its ongoing success.
Students from local high schools — including Edinburg North, Economedes, Vela, Vanguard, and World Scholars Academy — were inducted and congratulated by the mayor and council for their commitment to civic service and leadership development.
Municipal Courts Week Proclamation
The council proclaimed November 3–7, 2025, as Municipal Courts Week in Edinburg, recognizing the Edinburg Municipal Court’s contributions to justice, fairness, and public safety.
Judge Bustos accepted the proclamation, thanking his staff for their dedication and teamwork. He praised the professionalism of the court clerks and administrators, calling them “the foundation of everything we do.”
Court Administrator Marivel Velasquez also addressed the council, emphasizing the importance of public service and sharing that the court had hosted outreach events earlier in the day with students from the World Scholars Program.
Mayor Garza commended the court’s work and reiterated the need for a larger municipal court facility to serve the city’s growing population.
Arbor Day Proclamation
The council proclaimed November 15, 2025, as Arbor Day in Edinburg, recognizing the city’s commitment to sustainable growth and urban forestry.
The city will distribute 300 trees to residents for adoption and plant 10 new trees at Promenade Park Amphitheater in partnership with Region One ESC and the Texas A&M Forest Service.
Public Works Director Jaime Guerra thanked the council for reinstating the City Forester position in 2023, noting that Edinburg Forester Leo Deran is one of only three ISA-certified arborists in the Rio Grande Valley.
City Secretary Maria Ayala (on behalf of staff) thanked Mayor Garza for his service, leadership, and the progress achieved during his tenure, noting his final regular meeting as mayor.
Public Hearings
The council held five public hearings (Items 7A–7E) related to zoning and land-use requests.
- Item 7A: A rezoning request for a three-unit multifamily housing project at 521 E. Levee Street was denied following a 3–2 vote, as it failed to reach the required supermajority needed to overturn a prior Planning & Zoning Commission denial.
- Item 7B: Rezoning of property at 801 S. Longoria Road to General Commercial was approved unanimously.
- Item 7C: Rezoning of 121 S. 21st Avenue for a home health office was approved 3–2.
- Item 7D: Rezoning at 221 I Street for Vaquero Ventures was approved.
- Item 7E: A special use permit for late-hours alcohol service at 208 E. Canton Road was approved, with Councilmember De Leon abstaining due to conflict of interest.
Ordinances and Variances
Council approved multiple ordinances, including:
- Increasing the speed limit on North Seminary Road from 30 to 40 mph after a traffic study.
- Adjusting regulations on wrecker and towing services for compliance with state law.
- Several variance requests related to residential developments were also approved, primarily addressing rear setback reductions and single-family lot standards for new housing subdivisions.
- Bids and Equipment Leasing
The council approved:
- A tire service contract with Southern Tire Mart LLC and EZ Tire Services LLC.
- A 60-month lease agreement for nine patrol units and one drone unit for the Edinburg Police Department under an existing fleet replacement program.
- Police Chief Jaime Ayala explained that the city’s leasing system allows for fleet rotation, with vehicles replaced around the 100,000-mile mark to ensure safety and efficiency.
Resolutions
The council passed a resolution denying a proposed rate increase by Texas Gas Service Company, joining a coalition of Texas cities challenging utility rate hikes on behalf of residents.
Executive Session and Final Actions
After reconvening from executive session, the council took the following actions:
- Authorized the city manager and city attorney to file a claim on behalf of the city.
- Approved participation in a rate judgment coalition regarding AEP.
- Ratified several economic development projects, including Project Boot, Project Revival, and Project Sprinkler.
- Authorized an agreement with the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation (EDC) based on terms discussed in closed session.
Source: City of Edinburg, Official City Council Meeting, November 5, 2025 (Preliminary Draft Summary).