· Related development
Charter committee presents four proposed amendments; council takes no vote
At a July 16, 2024 special meeting, Baker Tilly presented the committee's July 11 report: four proposed charter amendments (recall procedures; four-year staggered terms with term limits and new vacancy rules; a seven-member council with three residency-based places; and council consultation before the City Manager hires executive staff), two Governance and Ends Policy additions, and a finding that the City Attorney should continue to report to the City Manager. The council took no vote and asked the consultant to explore further options, including splitting the council-size and residency proposal.[1][2][3][4]
Cole StanleyBaker Tilly
What the sources say
- ✓ Verified
The committee's report (transmitted July 11, 2024) recommended four charter amendments in priority order: (A) recall petitions to require signatures equal to 30% of votes cast in the officer's election instead of 30% of registered voters with one-fifth certifying they voted for the officer, with 60 days instead of 30 to gather signatures; (B) staggered four-year terms, a limit of two full terms, special elections for vacancies with more than 12 months left, and a "resign to run" provision; (C) a council of a mayor and six councilmembers, all elected citywide, with three places requiring residence in a geographic area and a districting commission every ten years from 2031; and (D) requiring the City Manager to consult the council before offering employment to unclassified executive-level employees. It also recommended two Governance and Ends Policy additions and no change to the City Attorney's appointment by the City Manager. [2]
- ✓ Verified
The July 16, 2024 special meeting minutes record the committee recommendations being presented by Dennis Hawkins of Baker Tilly with no action taken. NewsChannel10 reported that the council opted not to vote to put the proposals on the November ballot in favor of getting public input. [1][3]
- ✓ Verified
Dennis Hawkins, Baker Tilly: The Amarillo Tribune quoted Dennis Hawkins of Baker Tilly on the recall proposal: "The committee felt that 30% of registered voters was a very high bar to reach, and also it is impossible to verify whether or not people voted for the office holder." [4]
- ✓ Verified
Cole Stanley, Mayor: The Amarillo Tribune reported that Mayor Cole Stanley had suggested at the May 9 session that the mayor's term remain two years (the committee recommended four years for all elected officials), and that at the July 16 meeting he asked Baker Tilly to consult outside legal counsel about splitting the council-size proposal so voters could vote separately on expanding the council and on the residency requirement. [4]