Richardson residents will have the chance to vote on 50 amendments to the city’s charter May 2.
What you need to know
According to the city’s website, the charter is a document that establishes the city’s government structure and provides for the distribution of powers and duties among the various branches of government.
City Secretary Aimee Nemer previously said the following proposed amendments are substantive:
Proposition D: increase council compensation to $150 per meeting, and then $200 per meeting in 2030Proposition E: establish procedures for adjudicating a charge of misconduct for charter violationsProposition J: add one-year district residency requirement for council membersProposition M: require a recall petition to have the grounds for the recall be clearly stated on the petitionProposition V: require insurance coverage for city officials and employees to protect the city from loss caused by a city official or employeeProposition Z: add one-year residency requirement for board and commission membersProposition MM: reduce percentage of voters required to file an initiative or referendum petition from 10% to 8%Proposition RR: add section for continuity of government in case of disastersProposition SS: require a code of ethics for members of council and boards adopted, and conduct a review of the code of ethics at least once every two yearsProposition WW: prohibit a resigning mayor or council member from voting on the appointment of their own replacement to fill the remainder of their unexpired termProposition XX: require a mayor or council member to automatically resign from their current office if they become a candidate for a different elective public officeThe remaining propositions, Nemer said, are largely grammatical corrections or clarifying language. The full details for all 50 amendments can be found on the city’s website.
What’s next
The election for the 50 charter amendments will take place May 2, in conjunction with the city’s bond election. Early voting will take place from April 20-28.