Commissioners reappoint two emergency‑service district commissioners and proclaim UTRGV anniversary

Willacy County Commissioners Court approved two board reappointments and adopted a proclamation recognizing the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

Elena Vasquez, executive director of the Willacy County Emergency Service District, asked the court to reappoint two commissioners whose terms expire Dec. 31, 2025: Edward Gonzales and Juanita Barizio. Vasquez described the five‑member board’s geographic representation and years of service for both members. Commissioners moved, seconded and reappointed both members to terms running Jan. 1, 2026 through Dec. 31, 2027.

The court also approved a proclamation recognizing UTRGV’s anniversary. Richard Sanchez, senior associate vice president for governmental relations at UTRGV, thanked the court and described UTRGV’s growth across the region (enrollment and program expansions including medical and podiatric schools, and plans for an optometry school). Commissioners adopted the proclamation by voice vote and thanked the university for the partnership.

Both actions were approved by voice vote; the appointments are subject to statutory requirements for emergency‑service‑district commissioners and the proclamation is ceremonial.