Administration

Mayor
Max Mendieta, Jr.
Email: odonnellmayor@poka.com
Phone: (806)201-1841

Mayor Pro-Tem
Joseph Luera
Email: jluera@oisd.esc17.net
Phone: (806)928-3057

Alderman/Council Person
Emily Acosta
Email: acostaemily85@gmail.com
Phone: (806)527-1168

Alderman/Council Person
Jessie Perez
Email: jessie.perez8@yahoo.com
Phone: (806)548-5634

Alderman/Council Person
Irma Ruiz
Email: iruiz@oisd.esc17.net
Phone: (806)535-8096

Alderman/Council Person
Bruce Vaughn
Email: councilthree80@gmail.com
Phone: (806)428-3239

Duties of the Mayor 
O’Donnell is General Law Type A city without a voter approved City Manager Plan.   The mayor serves the dual role of administrator and political head of the city, going to city hall on a regular basis, working with department heads on matters that need attention each day, and performing the ceremonial duties that go with the office. In some cases, ordinances approved by the council give the mayor latitude to deal with the many problems that arise each day. Administrative staff is sometimes available to help the mayor, but the office still involves considerably more effort and responsibility than other cities operating under the city manager plan.

The mayor’s most important duty is to carry out the legislative responsibilities he or she shares with other members of the council identifying the needs of the city, developing programs to satisfy those needs, and evaluating the extent to which municipal services satisfactorily reflect the policy goals of the council.

The mayor’s powers are limited at the council table and is allowed to vote only in the event of a tie.

The mayor is an elected unpaid public position held for a two year term.

Duties of the Alderman (City Council Members)
Councilmembers are the city’s legislators. Their primary duty is policymaking, which includes identifying the needs of local residents, formulating programs to meet the changing requirements of the community, and measuring the effectiveness of ongoing municipal services.

Unless restricted by state law, each councilmember is entitled to vote or abstain on every question decided at a council meeting and has full parliamentary privileges in council meetings, including the right to speak and make motions when recognized by the chair and the right to introduce new ordinances and amendments to existing ones.  Though foremost in importance, lawmaking is just one of many functions councilmembers perform.

Alderman is an elected unpaid public position held for a two year term.

Communicating with the City Council
Public service is a difficult job and often thankless.   The City Council is dedicated to serving the community and often times the business before them is challenging.  When you are advocating for or against change its important to do so with data to support the changes you seek.  Help develop solutions when possible, rather than only contacting them when you are opposed to something.  Offer to link them to resources you know about that may help with improvements.  Consider volunteering on a City committee or attend events and meetings.