After a closed executive session on July 15, the city council voted to amend the city secretary’s employment contract to increase the annual base salary by $5,000, effective immediately.

The council convened an executive session under Texas Government Code section 551.074 for personnel matters concerning the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline or dismissal of a public officer. After returning to open session at 6:33 p.m., Council member Reeves moved to authorize execution of the amendment; Council member John Bowers seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously by a show of hands.

Why it matters: Personnel actions taken under Texas Gov. Code 551.074 are allowed in closed session, and salary adjustments for an appointed city officer are an official council decision affecting municipal payroll and personnel records.

The motion recorded in the meeting minutes specified the $5,000 annual increase and an immediate effective date. The transcript does not name the city secretary whose contract was amended. No additional terms of the contract amendment were read into the public record at the meeting. The council then reviewed the consent agenda and adjourned the work session at 6:34 p.m.

No other formal actions were taken in open session on this item, and the council did not provide further public detail about the personnel matter during the meeting.