Title
Consider an ordinance ordering the May 2, 2026 Special Election for the purpose of electing a Councilmember for District 3.
Body
DATE: March 3, 2026
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Laura Calcote, City Secretary
SUBJECT: Ordering the May 2, 2026 Special Election to elect a Councilmember for District 3
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
On Saturday, February 21, 2026, District 3 Councilmember, Nina Cobb, resigned her position. The resignation took effect on Sunday, March 1, 2026, creating a vacancy for the District 3 seat.
The Texas Election Code, Chapter 201, provides for the ordering of an election to fill a vacancy. If a vacancy in office is to be filled by special election, the election shall be ordered as soon as practicable after the vacancy occurs. Section 201.054 provides that if the special election to fill a vacancy is ordered on or before the 46th day (Tuesday, March 17, 2026) before election day (Saturday, May 2, 2026), the candidate application must be filed by 5:00 p.m. on the 40th day before election day, which is Monday, March 23, 2026, to be considered for the Councilmember, District 3 vacancy.
The attached ordinance has been prepared ordering the 2026 Special Election and giving notice of an election for the purpose of electing a Councilmember for District 3 and designating the Early Voting and Election Day precinct-specific polling locations and times.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
N/A
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
N/A
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
This ordinance conforms to Article IX (Nominations and Elections) of the City Charter, authorizing the ordering of an election to be held on a uniform election date provided for in the Texas Election Code.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the revenue/expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
The estimated expenditure to conduct the General and Special Elections is $90,000.00 for Fiscal Year 2026. Funds are budgeted to cover the costs associated with the elections.
Is this a one-time or recurring revenue/expenditure?
Holding an election is a recurring expenditure.
Is this revenue/expenditure budgeted?
Yes, expenditures are budgeted.
Expenditures are budgeted in the General Fund, Legal Department under the following accounts:
• Personnel Services:
o 100-51130-150-152-000000
o 100-51610-150-152-000000
o 100-51620-150-152-000000
o 100-51700-150-152-000000
• Election Expense:
o 100-55620-150-152-000000
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this revenue/expenditure?
Yes.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends City Council approve the ordinance ordering a May 2, 2026 Special Election for the purpose of electing a Councilmember for District 3.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Finance
Legal
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Ordinance
Exhibit A - Order of Special Election for Municipalities
Presentation