Edinburg City Council Names David Salazar as New Mayor Pro Tem, Holds Off on Housing Authority Appointments
Edinburg News, Edinburg City Council Meeting, Edinburg TX News, Mayor Pro-tem
Arnoldo Mata
Edinburg, TX – The Edinburg City Council on Monday selected Council Member David Salazar as the city’s new mayor pro tem, the most significant action taken during a meeting that also featured public concerns, presentations from city partners and a lengthy executive session.
Salazar was appointed on a unanimous vote following a motion by Council Member De Leon. Mayor Ramiro Garza Jr. and council members thanked outgoing Mayor Pro Tem Jason De Leon for his year of service in the role, noting his assistance in covering city events and supporting council operations throughout the year.
Council members described the city’s rotation system—electing a new mayor pro tem at the end of each election cycle and at the start of a new year—as a way to share responsibilities and representation among the council. Salazar said he appreciated the nomination and looked forward to working closely with the mayor and council in the coming year.
In other appointments, Mayor Garza postponed naming two representatives to the Edinburg Housing Authority Board of Directors. The mayor said he is reviewing the city’s overall appointments process and intends to make selections soon, allowing current members to continue serving in the interim.
Earlier in the meeting, public comment drew attention to safety and school concerns. Residents urged the council to consider tighter restrictions on fireworks, while a third-grade student from Steven F. Austin Elementary presented a petition asking the city to allow fencing around Fountain Park to increase the school’s play area and address safety issues. The petition included roughly 160 signatures gathered over several weeks.
Council members praised the student for speaking and said the issue would return for further discussion at a future meeting.
The council also heard an annual delinquent tax and municipal court collections report from Linebarger, Goggin, Blair & Sampson. Representatives reported that collections increased over the previous year, with more than $984,000 in delinquent property tax and court-related payments recovered. The firm highlighted expanded outreach, including door-to-door visits, and noted that nearly half of delinquent accounts are tied to exemptions for seniors, veterans or disabled residents.
Magic Valley Electric Cooperative presented the city with its annual capital credit allocation, estimated at about $10,000. The cooperative, which distributes profits to members because it operates as a nonprofit entity, also highlighted decades of service to the region and scholarship opportunities for local students.
Two development variance requests scheduled for consideration were withdrawn by applicants prior to the meeting.
Council members unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included technology renewals, police equipment purchases and multiple utility department vehicles and infrastructure items.
During future items, council members requested a discussion on fencing and access issues affecting Austin Elementary and its proximity to Fountain Park.
The meeting concluded with the council entering executive session to discuss litigation, development ordinances, animal services agreements, property matters and two economic development projects identified as Project Comida and Project Ribeye.
Source — City of Edinburg.