The Manvel City Council voted Nov. 17 to adopt an ordinance (2025‑O‑36) implementing the Texas Municipal Retirement System updated service credit for city employees, a change supporters say will improve recruitment and retirement security but that opponents warned carries recurring costs the city must absorb.

City Manager Dan told council the change follows a multiyear effort to secure funds and that many comparable cities already offer updated service credits: "We had 352 communities in Texas with a population of 5,000 people or more... 352 of those communities and only 36 of us don't have this as a benefit," he said, arguing adoption helps Manvel compete for staff. Police representatives who spoke during public comment said pay and benefits matter to retention; Captain Chris Day told council Manvel’s department was "approximately 15% below our nearest comparable agency" on base pay and that offering updated service credit is a key retention tool.

Council debate centered on how to pay the recurring portion of the benefit. Manager Dan and finance staff described a one‑time transfer to secure the program and an ongoing 17% normal cost commitment until the city is considered current. The mayor and several council members asked for clearer projections and assurances the recurring obligation would be managed without raising property taxes. "How do we pay for this?" the mayor asked during discussion, noting competing priorities including hiring and pay raises for public safety and other departments.

Supporters said the ordinance was necessary to value and keep employees. Councilman Bonner, who moved the ordinance, framed it as an investment in the workforce. Opponents expressed concern about committing to an annual budget item roughly in the $700,000–$750,000 range until the city rings down an accumulated shortfall; one council member voted against final passage on those grounds.

What happens next: The ordinance takes effect per standard municipal adoption procedures and staff will incorporate the recurring TMRS contribution into next year’s budget planning and present updated financial projections to council as they prepare the 2026 budget.