The Charter Review Commission advanced nine possible amendments to the City Charter in its most recent meeting to ensure Dallas’ foundational document is aligned with changes to state law and case law.
The commission took up nine “technical changes” last week that were proposed by City staff after three months of soliciting amendments and “consulting experts,” according to a Tuesday news release from the City of Dallas.
Eight of the nine amendments were advanced unanimously, and they focused on ensuring that the City Charter is in line with current case law and changes to state law, according to the statement.
“This is an important step in preparing a recommendation to City Council,” said Chairman Allen Vaught. “These are the kinds of amendments that ensure the city is in alignment with all state and federal laws and build consensus on the Commission as we advance into these next stages of consideration.”
The nine amendments are as follows:
- Allow the city manager to submit an estimated budget to the city council by August 15 instead of on August 15 in Chapter
XI § 1. - Amend city council candidate residency requirements to match the requirements in the Election Code in Chapter IV § 6.
- Delete requirement that the city secretary verify the truth in a filed affidavit of residency in Chapter IV § 6(c)(2).
- Add a provision to allow for an alternate deadline when the last day of performance of an act falls on a weekend or holiday in Chapter XXIV.
- Amend the provision related to members of the city council paying taxes and liabilities due to the city in Chapter III § 3.
- Amend language to allow the city to accrue liens on a monthly basis in Chapter XIX § 7.
- Amend personnel appeal deadline to be consistent with personnel rules in Chapter XII §4, Chapter XIII § 9, and Chapter XVI § 11(b).
- Revise language clarifying that a civilian probationary period does not satisfy the requirement for sworn service probationary periods in Chapter XVI § 10(a).
- Remove voter registration requirement for petitions in Chapter XVIII § 11(1).
District 11 Commissioner Terry Lowery explained during the meeting that the first proposed amendment is “really housekeeping to make an accurate statement” as the City budget is presented on the second Tuesday of August, which “almost never” falls on the 15th.
City Attorney Tami Palomino said the other eight amendments are “technical amendments” that are “specifically based on changes to state laws … or case law that has struck down a provision in the charter, or practical changes that … need to be aligned with the practice of the City.”
The commission will continue to take up “operational and policy” amendments that are “expected to generate the most conversation,” per the release.
Commissioners will meet through the spring before finalizing a list of recommended amendments to the City Charter, which will then be presented to the Dallas City Council. The council will then consider the commission’s recommendations and determine which amendments to the charter will go before Dallas voters for final approval.
The deadline for Dallas residents to propose amendments to the Commission is Friday, January 19.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, some amendments being considered by the commission include pay raises for council members and moving municipal elections from May to November.
