Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution establishing a Charter Review Committee.
Body
DATE: July 2, 2024
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Holli Clements, City Attorney
SUBJECT: Establishing Charter Review Committee
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
On June 18, 2024, City Council directed staff to proceed with the establishment of a Charter Review Committee.
The Charter is the fundamental governing document of a home-rule city in Texas. Charter amendments may be initiated through petition or by Council initiative and require voter approval at an election. If the Council initiative approach is taken, the Council may establish any mechanism and process to formulate the ballot issues including establishing a Charter Review Committee.
The Charter may not be changed more often than every two years. The last Charter election was in May 2022.
Councilmembers have indicated a desire to appoint a citizen committee to review the Charter and return recommendations to Council. The attached Councilmember Proposal for Establishment of a Charter Review Committee recommends the following:
Purpose and Scope: Committee is to conduct a thorough review of the existing Charter, identify necessary amendments, and gather input from the community;
Composition: 8 - 9 members; Mayor and Councilmembers nominate one member each;
Qualifications: Background in law, government, business, or community service; must be residents of Killeen;
Timeline and Reporting: Appointments made within 30 days following approval of Proposal; Committee submits final recommendations to City Council.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
The alternatives are:
1. Establish a Charter Review Committee of citizens in accordance with the attached Proposal for Establishment of a Charter Review Committee.
2. Do not establish a Charter Review Committee.
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
Staff recommends that City Council consider establishing a Charter Review Committee in accordance with the Proposal.
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
This action conforms to state law and Charter provisions.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the revenue/expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
N/A
Is this a one-time or recurring revenue/expenditure?
N/A
Is this revenue/expenditure budgeted?
N/A
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this revenue/expenditure?
N/A
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that City Council consider establishing a Charter Review Committee in accordance with the Proposal.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
N/A
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Proposal for Establishment
Presentation