Edinburg Appoints Ben Alonzo Interim City Attorney

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EDINBURG, Texas - The Edinburg City Council voted Tuesday to appoint Ben Alonzo as interim city attorney after City Attorney Josephine Ramirez-Solis announced she will be leaving her position to take a new role in county government.

Mayor Omar Ochoa announced the transition during the council meeting, congratulating Ramirez-Solis on her new position as a deputy Hidalgo County administrator and thanking her for her service to the city.

“We hate to be losing you,” Ochoa said during the meeting. “We really wish you could stay, but I know this is an opportunity for you. So we want to say thank you very much for your service to the city and everything that you’ve done for us.”

Ramirez-Solis was appointed city attorney in 2024, becoming Edinburg’s first full-time, in-house city attorney following changes to the city charter and local ordinances. Prior to that change, the city typically relied on outside legal counsel for municipal representation.

Under the council’s action Tuesday, Alonzo, who currently serves as deputy city attorney, will assume the interim role beginning April 3, which Garza said will be Ramirez-Solis’ final day with the city.

The council also authorized the city manager to enter into a contract with Alonzo to serve in the interim position.

Alonzo currently provides legal counsel to the city on a variety of government and administrative matters. His work frequently includes handling public information requests and legal issues related to city development projects.

Council member, Daniel 'Dan' Diaz, thanked Alonzo for accepting the additional responsibility.

“Thank you for all your hard work, Ben,” Diaz said. “You’ve seen the workload and you’re willing to do it.”

The motion to appoint Alonzo as interim city attorney passed without objection.