Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution changing the date of general elections to a November uniform election date in odd-numbered years.
Body
DATE: December 19, 2025
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Holli Clements, City Attorney
SUBJECT: Changing General Elections to November in Odd-Numbered Years
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
Texas Election Code (EC) Section 41.0052 was amended this year by SB 1494. The new law allows City Council to change the date on which it holds its general election for officers to the November uniform election date in odd-numbered years only, no later than December 31, 2025.
The City Charter of the City of Killeen allows for general elections to be held on either uniform election date. Uniform election dates are the first Saturday in May or the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
The City Charter also provides for staggered terms with the election of the Mayor and three at-large Councilmembers held on a uniform election date in even-numbered years and the election of four district Councilmembers held on a uniform election date in odd-numbered years. Changing the date of all general elections to a November uniform election in odd-numbered years to elect the Mayor and all Councilmembers would conflict with the City Charter. However, the Election Code states that a home-rule city may provide for the election of all members of the governing body at the same election through adoption of a resolution and that such resolution supersedes a city charter provision that requires a different general election date or that requires the terms of members of the governing body to be staggered.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
The alternatives are:
1) Change the date of general elections to a November uniform election date in odd-numbered years to elect District Councilmembers. The general election to elect Mayor and at-large Councilmembers would continue to be held in May of even-numbered years.
2) Change the date of all general elections to a November uniform election date in odd-numbered years to elect Mayor and all Councilmembers at the same time. A resolution changing all general elections to November in odd-numbered years would eliminate elections in even-numbered years and would eliminate staggered terms of Councilmembers. Current Mayor and at-large Councilmembers would holdover until November 2027.
3) Change the date of all general elections to a November uniform election date in odd-numbered years beginning in 2029 to elect Mayor and all Councilmembers at the same time.
4) Do not change the date of general elections from May to November uniform election date in odd-numbered years.
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
City Council consider potentially changing the date of general elections to a November uniform election date in odd-numbered years.
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
Changing the date of general elections in odd-numbered years to November complies with the City Charter. Changing the date of all general elections to a November election date in odd-numbered years conflicts with City Charter.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the revenue/expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
Fewer elections would result in lower election expenses.
Is this a one-time or recurring revenue/expenditure?
Recurring
Is this revenue/expenditure budgeted?
Yes.
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:
City Council consider potentially changing the date of general elections to a November uniform election date in odd-numbered years.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
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ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Senate Bill 1494
Senate Bill 1494 Bill Analysis
Presentation