Farmers Branch council backs resolution seeking improved DART governance
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Summary
Council unanimously approved a nonbinding resolution supporting a weighted-governance restructure for the Dallas Area Rapid Transit board to give Farmers Branch a dedicated seat, while noting the change likely requires action by the Texas Legislature and may take time to implement.
The Farmers Branch City Council on Feb. 17 unanimously approved a resolution supporting an improved governance structure for the Dallas Area Rapid Transit Authority board that would provide Farmers Branch a dedicated seat and a smaller weighted vote, city officials said.
City Manager Ben Williamson told the council the resolution is nonbinding and part of a broader effort among DART member cities to seek less centralized control and give smaller cities a clearer voice. He credited recent proposals from Dallas and Irving and said the change is expected to require legislative action in Austin.
"This is just saying we support a governance structure that adheres to that where the city of Farmers Branch has a seat at the table," Williamson said, explaining that the model under consideration uses weighted votes based on population and sales-tax contribution.
Council members thanked staff and DART leadership for the work to date and asked clarifying questions about timing and legislative steps. City staff and an invited participant noted the legislative process could take many months and that a finalized change, if adopted, might not take effect until a subsequent legislative session or the following year.
Action and context: The resolution, described in the agenda as supporting "the adoption of an improved governance structure for the Dallas Area Rapid Transit Authority board," passed unanimously. Williamson and several council members emphasized that the resolution expresses support rather than enacting immediate governance changes, and that final weighting and implementation would depend on further negotiation and possible statutes.
Quote: "It's a resolution. It's nonbinding, but it's saying the city of Farmers Branch supports a governance structure that ... has a seat at the table," Williamson said.
Ending: Council passed the resolution by unanimous vote and asked staff to continue coordination with DART and peer cities; staff noted legislative approval would likely be required before any structural change takes effect.
