The Balch Springs City Council on Oct. 13 adopted a motion directing staff to prepare a policy requiring council members to wear headphones when participating in executive sessions remotely.

Council member Mahill introduced the item, saying the intent was to reduce the risk that sensitive information discussed in executive session could be overheard or leaked. "We have very sensitive information that will be coming out," she said during the agenda item.

Mayor Pro Tem Garcia seconded and supported the motion, citing prior incidents of leaks and saying the city should provide headsets to members who need them. Several council members noted medical or comfort exceptions and asked that the policy allow reasonable accommodations. Council member Gabriel said he personally found headsets difficult to wear but expressed no objection to the rule.

The motion passed with recorded yes votes from Council member Hill, Mayor Pro Tem Garcia, Council member Gabriel, Council member Patino, Council member Miles and Council member Salah. Council directed staff to update the city's policies and procedures and bring a draft back to council for final adoption.

Why it matters: the policy governs how council members participate in legally authorized executive sessions held virtually; state law still requires that executive sessions be closed to the public except as provided in statute, and the policy change reflects a procedural step to protect confidentiality.

Next steps: staff will prepare a policies-and-procedures amendment addressing headset use, including reasonable-accommodation language and provisions on headset provision by the city, and return the ordinance or policy amendment for final approval by the council.