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Schertz council agrees to draft formal policy for councilmember training and travel
Summary
At a June 3 workshop, Schertz City Council members debated who may approve councilmember training and whether travel and tuition should be paid from city funds; staff will work with two councilmembers to draft a policy framework ahead of the budget process.
SCHERTZ, Texas — At a June 3 Schertz City Council workshop, councilmembers agreed to have city staff work with two councilmembers to draft a formal professional development and travel policy after a wide-ranging discussion about who may approve training, what public funds may cover and how the council should budget for training.
Councilmember Robert Westbrook framed the discussion as one of authority and fairness, saying the charter vests powers in the council as a body and asking whether any individual may deny or approve another member's training. "Does any individual on this city council have the authority to approve or deny professional development for fellow council members? Based upon the documents I've reviewed, the answer is no," Westbrook said. He said the council should adopt a transparent standard that "encourages growth while safeguarding public trust."
Mayor Pro Tem Hayward and other members emphasized fiscal stewardship and the need for clear eligibility criteria and…
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