Bryan council places charter amendment on ballot to dissolve elected utilities board after public objections

Bryan — The Bryan City Council voted unanimously Monday to place a proposed charter amendment on the May 2026 ballot that would dissolve the elected Bryan Board of Public Affairs (BPA) and place Bryan Municipal Utilities (BMU) under the direction and supervision of the mayor and council. The council approved Ordinance No. 43-20-25 on its third reading.

Supporters of keeping the BPA and several residents urged council to slow down and answer specific questions about how the change would affect BMU staffing, wages, budgets and protections for ratepayers. At least two residents and an elected BPA member urged tabling the ordinance until more details are provided.

Council members framed the council vote as a decision to let voters decide how they want to be governed. Council discussion repeatedly emphasized that final structural change would only occur if voters approve the charter amendment at the ballot box.

Public comment and concerns

Annette Shriner, 313 North Cherry Street, asked for detailed answers on how existing BPA resolutions, BMU staffing, and wage protections would be handled under the proposed charter changes and asked the council to table the ordinance until those questions are answered. Shriner said the draft charter "leaves the door open and does not necessarily guarantee the protection of the structure as it stands today." She asked, "Who will have control over staffing for future BMU and also removing the staff? Who will…