From Samantha Denbow
City of Bay City Communications & Cultural Arts Director
During its Feb. 11, regular meeting, the Bay City Council called a special election on May 3, giving voters the opportunity to decide on three proposed amendments to the City Charter.
These measures focus on improving government efficiency, council operations, and hiring flexibility for the City Manager position.
Proposed Charter Amendments
MEASURE A: TO CHANGE COUNCIL TERMS SO THAT TWO (2) POSITIONS ARE UP FOR ELECTION EVERY YEAR.
Proposal: Stagger City Council election cycles so that two (2) positions are up for election each year.
Reasoning: When the Charter was amended in 2019 to allow for three (3) year terms, the council terms occur where four (4) members are up one year, two (2) are up the next year and zero (0) are up the third year.
Council will be more effective if two (2) are up each year.
Fiscal Impact: An estimated $10,000 every third year for an additional election.
“A more balanced election cycle will improve stability and continuity on the Council,” said Scotty Jones, City Manager.
“Voters will have the chance to make their voices heard and ensure a steady transition of leadership.”
MEASURE B: TO CHANGE MANDATORY MEETINGS OF COUNCIL TO ONE (1) TIME PER MONTH.
Proposal: Reduce the minimum number of mandatory City Council meetings to one per month so that Council has the flexibility to cancel unnecessary additional meetings.
An ordinance would continue to be adopted annually for regularly scheduled meetings for the upcoming year.
Reasoning: For the efficiency of administration and council, having only one (1) mandatory meeting per month allows the flexibility of council to meet when necessary, but no less than one time per month and be allowed to call as many other meetings as necessary to conduct efficient business.
Fiscal Impact: No additional costs.
“This amendment modernizes our approach to governance,” said City Attorney Anne Marie Odefey.
“It allows for efficiency while ensuring that Council can convene whenever necessary to serve the community.
“It is likely that many months will still have more than one meeting, but this amendment would allow Council to cancel an unnecessary meeting without violating the Charter.”
MEASURE C: TO ALLOW COUNCIL DISCRETION TO WAIVE RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT OF CITY MANAGER IF THEY RESIDE IN MATAGORDA COUNTY.
Proposal: Allow City Council discretion to waive the requirement that the City Manager live within Bay City or its Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ), provided they reside in Matagorda County and within 20 miles of the city limits, in order to improve the City’s ability to attract and retain top talent.
Reasoning: The Charter requires that the City Manager reside within city limits or the ETJ of the city within one year of taking office.
The city council finds this provision can have unintended consequences at a significant cost to the City.
There may be an instance where the City Council may for good and sound reasons desire to waive this provision if it is in the best interest of the City.
Fiscal Impact: Potential savings on executive search and relocation costs, which can range from $30,000-$50,000 for a search and $10,000-$20,000 for relocation if the candidate already resides in Matagorda County.
“Our current City Manager is a Certified Public Manager, has over 20 years of municipal and management experience and has served Bay City for 10 years, demonstrating her dedication and capability, despite not residing within city limits,” said Mayor Robert Nelson.
“This amendment ensures that future hiring decisions are based on qualifications and performance rather than strict residency rules. We are not just thinking about the now.”
Special Election Details
Election Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
Polling Locations: Bay City Service Center, 2105 Ave. M
Voter Information: Residents are encouraged to review the proposed amendments and participate in the election.
Information will be housed on the Elections page of the City website.
“At the end of the day, the decision on these proposed changes belongs to the voters,” added Nelson.
“We encourage everyone to get informed, attend meetings, ask questions, and make their voices heard at the ballot box.”
To ensure residents have all the information they need, the City will launch a multifaceted public education campaign ahead of the election.
“Our goal is to make sure every voter understands the proposed changes and how they impact our community,” said Samantha Denbow, Communications & Cultural Arts Director.
“We will use a variety of methods, including community meetings, digital resources, and printed materials, to provide clear and accessible information to the public.”
For additional details, visit the City of Bay City’s website or contact the City Manager’s Office at (979) 245-2137.