COA City Charter Proposals Heard In Special Meeting Friday

The Amarillo City council Friday heard the first reading of ordinance 8144 which will have eight amendments to the current City Charter in preparation for the November 5 ballot.

Included in the proposed changes are:

• Recalling an elected official
• Increasing the dais from the current 5 members to 7 members
• Changing the term length of the mayor
• Establishing geographic zones and requiring residency within those zones for select council members.
• Term limits for the Mayor
• Revise vacancy provisions to comply with state law and include a resign-to-run provision
• Clarify the city manager’s hiring authority
• Designate the city council as the hiring body for the City Attorney.

The second and final reading of the amendments will take place at the next regular meeting of the City Council which is August 13th. If approved, the proposed changes will go to the voters as ballot items on November 5th.