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Mesquite council asks staff to study mayor pro tem selection process amid charter vs. code debate
Summary
Council members voted to add a resolution to consider amending the Mesquite City Code to define a process for selecting mayor pro tem; the city attorney explained that some changes could be adopted by ordinance while others would require charter committee action and a legislative process.
At the Feb. 17 technical review meeting, the City of Mesquite approved adding a resolution to a future council agenda to consider a formal selection process for mayor pro tem.
The moderator introduced the item after receiving public inquiries about how the mayor pro tem is chosen. The city attorney explained that the city charter requires the mayor pro tem be elected by the council but said the council could adopt more specific internal rules by ordinance so long as they are not inconsistent with the charter. For broader changes to who makes the selection or to override charter language, the city would need the charter committee to propose changes that could go to the legislature.
"The charter says it's gotta be elected," the city attorney said, and added the council could impose guardrails — for example, specifying rotation or term length — by ordinance if the changes remain consistent with the charter.
Public commenter John urged a two-step approach: the council could pass a resolution to review and define procedures, and separately pass a one-time resolution to set interim rules under the current charter to ensure a clearer selection process for the immediate selection.
A council member expressed concern about creating rules that would "encumber future councils," and the group agreed the item should be framed as rules going forward (prospective) rather than retroactive changes. The motion to place the resolution on the next agenda was restated, seconded and approved by voice vote; the transcript does not include a roll-call tally.
Staff or the charter committee will be expected to return with proposed language or options for consideration at a future council meeting.
