6 amendments on ballot to change City of Gonzales' Charter

The Gonzales city manager, city attorney, and municipal court judge would not have to be residents of the city under proposed changes to the city the city’s Home Rule charter.

Six amendments to the Gonzales City Charter will appear on the May 1 ballot in a special election.

Election Day will also decide who will serve District 2 on the Gonzales City Council, with Johnnie R. Hunt, James H. Lawrence, and Sherri Tumlinson Koepp vying for the seat currently held by Tommy Schurig, who did not seek reelection.

In District 1, Joseph “Poochie” Kridler is running unopposed for the seat currently held by Gary A. Schroeder, who did not seek reelection.

Eligible voters in all four districts may vote on the amendments to the charter.

Here are the amendments which have been sent to the voters by the Gonzales City Council:

• Measure A: “An amendment to the City’s home rule charter prohibiting the mayor and council members from serving on a City appointed committee, commission, board or other City entity unless no other qualified citizen is available for appointment.”

This measure is a new addition to the charter, creating Section 3.16, Service on City Boards and Committees.

• Measure B: “An amendment to the City’s home rule charter requiring an appointment to City Council to a vacancy in a City Council office if there are between 90 and 365 days remaining in the term of the vacant City Council office.”

This would amend Section 3.06 B Vacancies, removing a clause which allows the council to call for a special election to fill a vacant seat. The only remaining option for filling a vacancy would be appointment by the council if there are between 90 and 365 days left in the term of that position.

• Measure C: “An amendment to the City’s home rule charter deleting the requirement that the City Manager reside within the City limits during their term of office.”

The third proposed measure would remove any residency requirement from the position of City Manager from Section 4.01 Appointment and Qualifications.

• Measure D: “An amendment to the City’s home rule charter deleting the requirement that the municipal judge be a qualified voter of the City.”

Similar to Measure C, this measure removes the residency requirement from Section 4.04 Municipal Court. It does not change any professional requirements of the position.

• Measure E: “An amendment to the City’s home rule charter requiring the City Council to select the most qualified individual to be City Attorney.”

Like the two measures before it, measure E removes residency requirements from Section 4.05 City Attorney, but does not change any requirements for employment as such.

• Measure F: “An amendment to the City’s home rule charter authorizing the expenditure of economic development funds as authorized by state law.”

This measure amends Section 8.02 to allow for public funds to be spent on privately owned subdivisions within city limits as authorized by the Texas Constitution and other state laws.