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Council hears charter-cleanup presentation, flags nepotism, bonds and council size options
Summary
Council received a committee presentation on proposed charter revisions to align local rules with state law, addressing nepotism language, bond levels, residency requirements, vacancy procedures and the option to change council size and districting; staff will return redlined language for further review.
Levelland — Council members received a detailed presentation Dec. 20 on proposed amendments to the city's charter that would align local provisions with Texas law and clarify responsibilities between elected officials and the city manager.
Speaker 2, who led the charter committee presentation, said the review focuses on correcting inconsistencies in the current charter, including duties split between the council and the city manager, franchise agreement language, and election procedures. "We have provisions that are all over the place...we're going to work for a target," Speaker 2 said, describing a redline process to identify what to remove and what to add.
The presentation highlighted several topics that the committee expects to return with specific recommendations: nepotism rules, bonding requirements, residency or candidacy qualification windows, procedures to fill vacancies and the potential to change council size from five to seven members or adjust the mix of district and at-large seats. "Probaby the most restrictive nepotism law in Texas," Speaker 2 said of the current charter provision, and he recommended adopting language more consistent with state guidance so small municipalities are not unduly constrained.
On bonds, the presenter observed the city currently pays larger bonds ($50,000) for some positions and said the charter should require a meaningful bond to protect the city. On residency, the committee was leaning toward a 12-month residency requirement for candidate eligibility but noted that voters would decide any charter change placed on the ballot. The presenter also urged flexibility for handling vacancies so the city can avoid costly special elections when appropriate.
Speaker 3 said the committee will produce redlined charter language and follow-up recommendations for council consideration and public feedback. The city also plans outreach for board and commission vacancies and a training program on open-meetings and ethics for potential appointees.
The council did not vote on charter amendments on Dec. 20; staff indicated they will return with draft language and a schedule for public review and possible ballot placement.
