Katy City Council amends mayoral election rules to align with Texas Constitution

In the heart of Katy, Texas, the City Council convened on February 10, 2025, to address pivotal changes to the city’s charter that could reshape the political landscape for its leaders. Under the bright lights of the council chamber, discussions unfolded around a proposed amendment that would alter the rules governing the mayor's ability to run for other offices while still serving.

The council focused on agenda item 5B, which proposed to amend Article 3 of the Katy City Charter. The amendment seeks to eliminate the automatic resignation of the mayor when filing to run for another public office, provided that the unexpired term of the current office does not exceed one year and 30 days. This change aligns the city’s regulations with the Texas state constitution, which allows for such flexibility.

Mayor Elder, a key proponent of the amendment, emphasized the need for consistency with state law, noting that the existing charter was more stringent than necessary. “What this language does is it mimics the Texas constitution exactly,” he explained, clarifying that if a mayor has less than a year and 30 days left in their term, they would not need to resign to run for another position.

However, the proposal sparked a lively debate among council members. Some expressed concerns that allowing the mayor to campaign while in office could detract from their responsibilities to the city. Council member Court voiced apprehension about the potential for divided attention, suggesting that the mayor’s primary focus should be on serving the residents rather than campaigning for another role.

Despite the concerns, the council moved forward with the discussion, recognizing the importance of educating the public about the implications of the amendment. The council ultimately voted to place the amendment on the ballot, allowing residents to weigh in on this significant change.

As the meeting concluded, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. The decision to amend the charter could pave the way for a new era in Katy’s governance, one where elected officials might balance multiple roles without the immediate pressure of resignation. The council's deliberations highlighted the ongoing evolution of local governance and the complexities of political responsibilities in a growing community.