The Levelland City Council has put together a committee of six community members in the efforts to revamp and make changes to the city’s charter.
The City of Levelland adopted its first charter in November of 1948 and has only been amended in 1990.
City Attorney Slater Elza explained that the city charter is considered the fundamental law of a “Home-Rule” municipality and it is sometimes referred to as the local constitution.
Home-Rule is the selfgovernance in its ultimate form. The charter is written by the citizens, adopted by the citizens and defines the local government. The community prepares its charter based on community norms, values and priorities. Unlike the general laws of the state, which may address a multitude of conditions faced in many Texas communities, Home-Rule cities define for themselves how they want to be governed. Home-Rule cities have a variety of tools available to manage the affairs of city government.
The charter provides a local response to the form of government desired by citizens; defines the structure of city government; establishes controls over city finances; and limitations on the power of city governments.
The charter describes city boundaries, provides for the form of government, establishes the number of representatives on the city council and defines the terms of office and how the council will be elected.
The charter also describes the duties of the mayor, council and specific staff members; citizens’ right to initiative recall and or referendum; city’s right to annex, tax and provide safety for its citizens; and procedures and ethics.
As communities grow, they must deal with increasingly complex issues and require flexibility in addressing those issues. The Home-Rule charter provides the flexibility needed.
“This charter has only been touched once in 80 years,” said Elza. “There is stuff that needs to be cleaned up and stuff that we see in cities like yours that the citizens expect.”
Elza provided a brief presentation regarding the process he will undergo to move the process along with making adjustments within the charter.
Additionally, he provided examples of charter provisions that were considered unorthodox or unnecessary from other instances he has been a part of.
It was explained to council that more cities are having charter amendments as they are needing to be combed through and cleaned up. Elza explained many charters have not been amended in over 30 years and most charters have inconsistent and contradictory provisions. Often times, cities have charter provisions they often ignore as they do not make sense.
Through this process, a committee of six citizens has been appointed by the council to review the charter.
Any amendments to the charter must be approved by vote of the citizens in an election. As any proposed changes will be voted on May 3, 2025, which is the date of the city’s next general election.
Elza stressed transparency and community involvement are crucial for the process to work efficiently and correctly. He added that a committee is not needed, but is strongly encouraged as he shared that within the past 40 years there have been two entities who chose to go without a committee and both elections failed as a result.
Communication between the committee and community were emphasized as some individuals may have questions about a particular item and providing an explanation and information. By being active in communication, Elza explained that when it comes time to vote more community members will be fully aware of what they are voting for.
Each council member suggested a committee member and the mayor suggested two individuals. Elza touched on diversity when thinking about selection. He explained that he did not only mean race or gender, but to include people who touched different parts of the town, those who were lifelong residents, those who were new, young individuals and older individuals.
“We want to make sure that everybody who wants a say can have a say,” said Elza. “We do not have to have meetings but we will. The public is absolutely invited to attend because we want their input and be able to answer any questions.”
The individuals selected for the committee include Stephanie Castellano, Jeri Ann Dewbre, Liz Ferrel, Stephen Henry, Ryan Phelan and Freddy Ruiz.
The first meeting will be held Monday, December 9, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at City Hall. All committee meetings will be held to an hourand- a-half to accommodate community members schedule.