Proposed changes to Texarkana City Charter on ballot

TEXARKANA, Texas (KTAL/KMSS) – As part of a special election, four proposed amendments to the city charter were on the ballot in Texarkana, TX on November 4th.

“We take a look at these every five to 10 years to make sure any outdated language is getting updated to the modern times of what we’re practicing today,” said Brooke Stone with the City of Texarkana, TX.

The first amendment would add a section for ‘Mission, Vision, and Values’ statements to the charter.

“Which we’ve had for several years now, but it’s basically just putting it into writing, and we want to formally adopt it. It ensures our consistent organizational focus and accountability,” said Stone.

The second amendment expands the residency requirements for the city manager and city judge to include all of Bowie County.

“In the past, it’s just been that you had to live inside the city limits in order to fill that role. So by expanding it to all of Bowie County, we’re able to attract a broader pool of qualified candidates,” said Stone.

The city says the third and fourth amendments are both designed to modernize the organizational structure.

“They grant the city manager the authority to appoint the clerk of the municipal court and to designate a technical advisor to the planning commission in lieu of a dedicated planning director,” said Stone, “So again, this is just coming up with the times. Making those changes to update outdated structures.”

If the amendments are approved, the results will be canvassed by the city council before they go into effect, which they expect would happen on November 17.