Election
BY CODY THORN
9 city charter changes on ballot for Fort Worth voters in May 2 election
Zooming in
Fort Worth currently has the lowest pay for coun- cil and mayor among major cities in Texas, according to a Dec. 2 presentation. In Houston, the mayor makes $236,189 annually while City Council earns $62,982. The Austin mayor has a $97,656 salary and the council members make $60,000 annually. The San Antonio mayor earns $87,800 each year while its City Council makes $70,200, according to 2025 data presented Dec. 2. If passed, the new salaries would take effect Oct. 1. Fort Worth voters denied pay raises for the council and mayor in 2016 and 2022, per previous reporting.
Fort Worth residents will have 15 total propositions on the May 2 ballot where they can vote “for” or “against” each item. The city called for a bond package of $845 million , which would help fund capital projects and if passed would not raise the current tax levy. Bond package items will be listed as Propositions A to F on the ballot. In addition, Propositions G to O will be listed to propose changes to the city charter. A city charter is a legal document that serves This would remove a provision that allowed department directors to have a hearing in front of the council if they are removed from office, but before their removal becomes official, aligning with the process of at-will employment. Proposition H This is a pay raise for council members and the mayor. Currently, the council receives $25,000 a year, while the mayor receives $29,000. Proposition G Proposition breakdown The proposition allows for the city budget to be adopted at the same meeting as a budget hearing, which is allowed under state law. Proposition J Officials would be able to remove redundant special hearing requirements for council-appointed officials, such as the city manager, attorney and secretary. Proposition I
as a city’s government structure, operating procedure and powers. Fort Worth established its charter in 1924, per city documents. Assistant City Attorney Gavin Midgley said Feb. 3 the propositions are conforming changes to align with state law, either election law or election-code related. Other propositions are to clarify city manager’s office duties, he said. “This is just aligning the charter with the power and authority the city manager already has,” Mayor Mattie Parker said in a Feb. 10 council meeting. This clarifies that claim payments must be supported by detailed documentation, regardless of whether it is considered a “purchase order.” Proposition O This eliminates a conflict with state law for special election timelines to fill vacancies. State election rules limit when a special election is ordered. Proposition N This creates flexibility in abolishing and reorganizing city departments by eliminating the requirement for ordinances to be adopted by council. Proposition M This would allow new trash or recycling companies to use city streets without an ordinance being required as long as it meets city code. Proposition L This removes the requirement of public utilities to submit an annual report to the city since that information is readily available online. Proposition K
Fort Worth City Council annual pay
Role
Current
Proposed Prop G
$29K
$60K
Mayor
$25K
$50K
Council
SOURCE: CITY OF FORT WORTH
What else?
Propositions H and I would eliminate the hearing requirement in front of the council for a fired employee or council appointee with at least six months of employment. Midgley said the requirement, if requested, conflicts with the city manager’s job duties, which include making those decisions without council approval. More information on the bond is on page 16.
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