Public hearing on city charter amendments this month

• (ARCHIVE PHOTO | THE GRAHAM LEADER) The front of Graham City Hall located at 612 Elm St. In a little over two weeks, the city of Graham will host a public hearing regarding nine proposed amendments to the city charter that will be included on the ballot for the November election.

In a little over two weeks, the city of Graham will host a public hearing regarding nine proposed amendments to the city charter that will be included on the ballot for the November election.

The Graham City Council voted to call a special election during their meeting Thursday, June 6. A public hearing for the proposed amendments is being held at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, July 18 at the Graham council chambers located at 608 Elm St.

Those who cannot attend the public hearing can submit comments in writing not later than two days prior to the hearing. Those comments can be submitted to: City Secretary, City of Graham, 612 Elm St., Graham, TX 76450.

The city of Graham Home Rule Charter was adopted by voters at an election held July 28, 1920. A home-rule city charter serves as the fundamental law of a home-rule city. A city charter cannot have provisions which conflict with the Texas Constitution or state law.

“In conversations with other city managers, (I) noted many cities are going through this very same charter amendment process to conform to state law,” City Manager Eric Garretty said in May. “This requirement to amend the Home Rule Charter to conform to new state laws is not unique to Graham.”

In October 2023, the Graham Charter Review Working Group was formed and officially began its work in November. Members of the group reviewed the charter and determined what required alteration in order to conform to what is allowed under state law.

The group completed its review of the city’s charter at their meeting Thursday, May 16. The city of Graham Home Rule Charter was last amended 33 years ago, in May 1991.

The special election will be held alongside the general election Tuesday, Nov. 5. Early voting in the November election will be held Monday, Oct. 21 through Friday, Nov. 1.

Charter amendment propositions

Proposition A involves annexation of land or property which lies within the city’s exclusive extra-territorial-jurisdiction.

Proposition B amends Section 4 of the charter as the language previously in that section regarded annexation upon petition, which was moved into Section 3.

Proposition C amends language regarding the city council. According to the proposition, “The terms board of aldermen, city council, and council shall all refer to the governing body of the City of Graham. The terms alderman and council member shall mean a member of the governing body other than the mayor.”

Proposition D further clarifies the requirements for anyone interested in filing for candidacy for the position of mayor or council member.

Proposition E states that the city council’s canvassing of municipal elections in which the positions of mayor or at least one council member are elected will happen at the next regularly called meeting. The charter originally stated canvassing would happen at 8 p.m. on the Monday following a regular municipal election.

Proposition F sets forth the standards by which the mayor or a council member would forfeit their office or be expelled from the council. In the event the mayor or any council member is convicted of a felony, that individual would forfeit the office.

Proposition G clarifies language regarding the frequency of city council meetings, special meetings and meetings in closed session.

Proposition H amends Section 117 of the charter by stating the city may enforce its ordinances by setting fines consistent with applicable laws.

Proposition I amends Section 128 of the charter, which originally stated that the provisions in the charter would supersede state law if they were in conflict with the state laws.

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