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Council directs counsel to draft bond-related charter amendments, 5–2
Summary
Council voted 5–2 to direct corporate counsel to draft ballot language amending Chapter 15 of the City Charter to remove or update fixed-dollar provisions for bond authority; members disagreed on timing and whether drafting equated to ballot placement.
On April 21 the City of Taylor council directed corporate counsel to draft proposed ballot language to amend Chapter 15 (sections 15.2–15.4) of the city charter. The motion passed 5–2.
Supporters said the existing charter contains fixed-dollar amounts for bond authority that are outdated and that drafting language is a step toward allowing voters to decide whether to modernize those provisions. Opponents said the matter had been rushed and urged more deliberation so residents would receive clear, well-vetted wording before any placement on the ballot.
Council members clarified that asking counsel to draft language does not automatically place the amendment on the ballot; a separate resolution and a subsequent council vote would be required. Council discussion noted the last full charter update was many years ago and that the proposed direction is intended to let voters decide on updated bonding authority.
The motion instructs corporate counsel to prepare ballot-ready language that the council would consider at a later meeting. The transcript records a roll call and the mayor announced the motion carried 5–2. The council did not present final ballot wording at this session; counsel will draft language for future council consideration.
