Charter review committee presents 18 proposed charter amendments; council debates city manager residency, term limits and transparency measures

The Charter Review Committee chair, Elise Chacon, presented roughly 18 proposed charter amendments during the Council—s Dec. 17 workshop and answered council questions about specific language changes.

Why it matters: the proposed amendments would change governance rules in the City of Aransas Pass on matters ranging from residency requirements for appointed city managers, to transparency practices (video and publication of ordinances), to term limits for elected officials. Many proposals would require voter approval if the council places them on the ballot.

City manager residency and employment terms

The committee proposed replacing the charter—s current vague requirement that an appointed city manager become a resident within a "reasonable period of time" with a firm six-month residency requirement. Committee members said six months is common in neighboring cities and argued it would strengthen civic accountability; opponents on the council and several speakers said six months may be too short and noted potential legal and recruitment implications. Council members raised alternatives such as one year, residence within a geographic radius, or addressing the timeline in the employment contract rather than the charter.

City Attorney Mister Asasi cautioned that state law can limit local residency requirements for employees and that some cities have…