An Ordinance Ordering a Special Election by the Qualified Voters of the City of Fort Worth, Texas, on May 2, 2026, for the Purpose of Submitting to the Qualified Voters of Said City, for Adoption or Rejection, Proposed Amendments to the Existing Charter of the City of Fort Worth and Ordaining Related Matters

Summary

This ordinance orders a special election to be held on May 2, 2026, for Fort Worth voters to consider proposed amendments to the City Charter. The election will coincide with an existing election for bond propositions, making it an efficient opportunity to seek voter direction on charter changes. Eight distinct propositions (labeled G through N) will be presented to voters, addressing various aspects of city governance, including:

• Proposition G: Adjusts annual pay for the Mayor to $60,000 and City Council Members to $50,000, effective October 1, 2026.
• Proposition H: Removes non-binding charge and hearing requirements inconsistent with the City Manager's personnel responsibilities.
• Proposition I: Removes redundant charge and hearing requirements for the City Manager, City Attorney, and City Internal Auditor.
• Proposition J: Allows the budget to be adopted at the same meeting as a budget hearing, aligning with state law.
• Proposition K: Deletes a requirement for public service corporations to submit annual reports to the city, as this information is available from the state.
• Proposition L: Amends rules for granting privileges for the use of city streets, potentially allowing approval without a full ordinance.
• Proposition M: Provides greater flexibility in creating, abolishing, and reorganizing city departments by eliminating the requirement for ordinances for these actions.
• Proposition N: Eliminates a conflict with state law regarding timelines for special elections to fill vacancies.

Citizen Impact

Residents will vote on changes to the City Charter, including potential increases to the Mayor's and City Council's salaries (Proposition G). Other propositions aim to streamline city administrative processes and align charter rules with state law, which could lead to more efficient governance but may reduce public oversight on certain departmental changes.

Confidence

high