TITLE
Consider an ordinance calling a charter amendment election on May 5, 2018.
SUMMARY
DATE: February 6, 2018
TO: Ronald L. Olson, City Manager
FROM: Kathy Davis, City Attorney
SUBJECT: Calling a charter amendment election on May 5, 2018
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
As a home rule city, the City of Killeen governs itself through its charter as long as there are no conflicts with state or federal law. The City of Killeen originally adopted its charter in 1949 and it has been amended various times since then, with substantial revisions in 2013.
The City Manager has identified two changes to the charter that would enable him to better administer the city’s finances. A proposed revision to Section 71 would make changes to transfers of appropriations. It would authorize the City Council to make transfers from one fund to another, authorize the City Manager to make interdepartmental transfers within a fund, and authorize the Executive Director of Finance to make intradepartmental transfers within a fund. With a proposed revision to Section 73, appropriations made as part of a Capital Improvement Program would not lapse at the end of the fiscal year, but rather would continue until the purpose for which it was made has been accomplished or abandoned.
If approved, the charter amendment election will be May 5, 2018, to coincide with the general election for Mayor and Councilmembers At Large.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
The alternatives that are available are to hold a charter election, not hold a charter election, or to offer different or additional charter amendments to the voters.
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
Staff recommends a charter election limited to the issues identified above. Staff does not believe that a significant overhaul of the charter is necessary at this time.
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
This ordinance conforms to charter provisions for calling an election, as well as relevant provisions of the Texas Elections Code.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
There is no fiscal impact anticipated. The propositions should fit onto the ballot for the general election without the need of purchasing any additional ballots.
Is this a one-time or recurring expenditure?
N/A
Is this 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 expenditure?
N/A
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the attached ordinance calling a charter amendment election for May 5, 2018.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
City Attorney
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Exhibit A
Ordinance