Four years after beginning the grant application process, the City of Edna ratified a $2.1 million contract from the General Land Office for drainage improvements in District 2 during the City Council meeting Thursday night.
The state awarded the GLO mitigation contract to be used to improve drainage problems in District 2. Longtime District 2 council representative Wayne Callis had pushed for the city to pursue grant funding as a solution to the district’s drainage issues.
Current District 2 Councilwoman Katrina Callis expressed her gratitude at seeing her father’s efforts finally come to fruition. She thanked City Manager Gary Broz and District 3 representative Chris Jackson, as well as Mayor Lance Smiga and the rest of the council and former District 5 representative Johnny Vasquez, for their efforts to see it through and for recognizing the significance of the project.
“This mitigation grant was important to him, and I’m honored to be in his seat to see it completed,” Callis said during Thursday’s meeting, prior to the vote to ratify the grant contract. “It all began as a plan that evolved into a community meeting. I never imagined that I would be the one to finish what he started.
“My father was a man of integrity, and taking an oath for his community meant everything to him. He genuinely wanted the best for Edna residents. Growing up in the district he served, he understood the importance of making a difference. This journey to secure this contract has been long and arduous. A few community members have inquired of its status, and I assured them that it was ongoing and requires time. That time is now here.”
Callis then made a motion that the council ratify the contract, which Jackson seconded, and the council unanimously approved.
The next step will be to have the area surveyed, Broz said.
In other business, the Council also:
· Approved the minutes of the Jan. 8, 2026 meeting;
· Approved the auditor engagement letter with Harrison, Waldrop, & Uherek, L.L.P. for conducting the city’s fiscal year 2024-2025 audit;
· Approved the second reading of Ordinance #2026-01, amending the Master Fee Schedule;
· Received an update from Jonas Titus with Victoria Economic Development Corp. regarding efforts to market the city to potential businesses, industry, and developers; and
· Approved payment of current city bills.