Council amends ballot language for charter question on city manager compensation and later authorizes mayor to amend manager’s contract

The White House City Council on Aug. 19 approved changes to ballot language for a charter amendment on city manager compensation and later authorized an amendment to the city manager’s contract following an executive session. Council approved ordinance 25‑0819‑01 to update the wording for “Proposition G” on the special‑election ballot. The revised wording, as presented to council, reads: “Amend the charter to remove the procedure for city manager compensation.” Staff said the change moves compensation procedure out of the charter and into council negotiation, and that state law requires substantial charter changes to be presented to voters. Some council members voiced concern that the revised language could be confusing to voters and asked staff to ensure voter education explains the effect. “It does still look like we’re removing the removal procedures for the city manager, so there’s no way to remove her,” a councilmember said during discussion. Later in the meeting, council convened in executive session under Texas Government Code section 551.074 for a personnel matter — the annual review of the city manager — and subsequently reconvened in open session. In regular session a councilmember moved to authorize the mayor to amend the contract with the city manager for annual compensation; the council voted in favor and the motion carried. What’s next: the amended ordinance language will appear on the November ballot; staff said they will include explanatory materials in voter education. The city manager’s contract amendment will be implemented as authorized by council.