All but one Gonzales charter amendment passes

Voters approved 10 of the 11 proposed amendments to the City of Gonzales’ home rule charter during the May 4 election. Proposition G was the only struck down amendment according to unofficial tabulations.

The amendment proposed “amendments to the city charter to authorize the city to spend public funds on privately-owned subdivisions situated within or beyond the corporate limits of the city as authorized by the Texas Constitution.”

In non-legalese terms, as translated by former Inquirer staff reporter Erik McCowan, “the city cannot spend money on subdivisions, but it can extend utilities or services to such areas.”

The amendment is projected to be defeated 329 for, 591 against.

Below we have included a Feb. 21, 2019 story by Erik McCowan that detailed the language of the proposed charter amendments and gave brief recap of what the changes would be. The article has been updated to include unofficial tabulations from the May 4, 2019 election.

Proposition A: “Amendments to the city charter eliminating provisions which are redundant in state law.”

What it means: The city will have the powers of government listed in the constitution of the State of Texas “except as specifically limited in this Charter.” Also, “The public squares and avenues of said city shall not be sold.”

Unofficial total: 671 for, 258 against

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Proposition B: “Amendments to the city charter revising and deleting provisions which are inconsistent with state law.”

What it means: Deals with choosing a mayor or council member should they depart office early. If there's more than a year left on the term, council will set a special election to fill out the term. If less than a year, council can choose to leave the spot vacant, appoint someone, or call a special election.

The measure also deals with citizen petitions for putting new laws before a vote. A petition of this nature must be signed by qualified voters of the city equal to 20 percent of the regular votes cast in the previous municipal election, or 150, whichever is greater, and each copy of the petition must have a copy of the proposed law.

Unofficial total: 684 for, 241 against

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Proposition C: “Amendments to the city charter changing the requirements of petitions for recall of city council members from the greater of 35 percent of the number of votes cast in the previous district election or 80 signatures to 25 percent of the number registered voters registered to vote in the district at the previous election.”

What it means: The percentage goes down 10 points for the “registered” voters needed to sign a petition, but the rule is changed to include all registered voters in the district where current law simply requires a percentage of voters that voted in the previous election. Depending on how many people voted, this may require more signatures than currently required to file a petition.

Unofficial total: 535 for, 366 against

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Proposition D: “Amendments to the city charter changing the requirements for petition for recall of the Mayor from the greater of 35 percent of the number of votes cast in the previous election or 150 signatures to 25 percent of the numbered registered voters in the previous election.”

What it means: More signatures may be required for a recall of the mayor. Depending on how many people voted, this may require more signatures than currently required to file a petition.

Unofficial total: 520 for, 389 against

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Proposition E: “Amendment to the city charter to provide that all citizens may utilize the initiative and referendum process for legislation pursuant to state law.”

What it means: Omits “resolution” from the law of what citizens can petition for.

Unofficial total: 673 for, 228 against

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Proposition F: “Amendment to the city charter authorizing an ordinance adopted by the initiative process to be amended or repealed by the city council after three years from the date the ordinance became effective by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of city council.”

What it means: Council can't repeal a publicly petitioned measure for three years after it becomes law, but council can put up a law for vote anytime citizens petition them.

Unofficial total: 596 for, 303 against

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Proposition G: “Amendments to the city charter to authorize the city to spend public funds on privately-owned subdivisions situated within or beyond the corporate limits of the city as authorized by the Texas Constitution.”

What it means: The city cannot spend money on subdivisions, but it can extend utilities or services to such areas.

Unofficial total: 329 for, 591 against

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Proposition H: “Amendment to the city charter requiring an officer of the city or a city council member to comply with state law regarding personal conflicts of interest.”

What it means: Strikes out the existing verbiage to shorten it to just include what state law requires according to the Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 171.

Unofficial total: 748 for, 160 against

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Proposition I: “Amendment to the city charter changing the requirements of petitions for initiative and referendum from the greater of 20 percent of the number of votes cast in the previous election or 150 signatures to 25 percent of the number of registered voters registered to vote in the previous election.”

What it means:  Depending on how many people voted, this may require more signatures than currently required to file a petition.

Unofficial total: 528 for, 361 against

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Proposition J: “Amendment to the city charter requiring city council to appoint a charter review commission at the July city council meeting in years ending in zero and five.”

What it means: Charter reviews like this one will only be taken every five years instead of every two.

Unofficial total: 637 for, 256 against

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Proposition K: “Amendments to the city charter authorizing the city council to hire independent legal counsel to represent the city in litigation.”

What it means: Only city council can select its attorneys.

Unofficial total: 543 for, 294 against