City Council Faces Controversy Over Attorney Selection Process

In a recent city council meeting, discussions centered on the selection process for a city attorney and the implementation of a monthly financial report. The council addressed confusion regarding the requirement to interview three candidates for the city attorney position. City Manager Joe clarified that, according to the Texas local government code, city attorneys are exempt from the typical request for qualifications (RFQ) process. He noted that the council had previously approved the appointment of the interim city attorney without conducting interviews, which led to some misunderstanding among council members.

The council also discussed the proposal to present a monthly financial report during the first regular meeting of each month. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and keep citizens informed about the city’s financial status. Council members expressed support for the idea, suggesting that the report should reflect the previous month’s financial data to ensure accuracy.

Additionally, the city manager provided updates on post-hurricane recovery efforts, highlighting ongoing debris removal and damage assessments. The city has activated contracts for debris removal, with costs expected to reach approximately $400,000. The manager also reported significant engagement on the city’s website and social media platforms, indicating a high level of public interest in recovery efforts.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to improving governance processes and maintaining open communication with the community regarding financial matters and disaster recovery.