North Richland Hills voters will choose whether or not to amend the City’s Charter during a special election this May.
Last fall, the City Council appointed a Charter Review Task Force of 11 residents, including 3 Council Members. The charge of this task force was to review portions of the City Charter that were identified by city staff as being in conflict with current state and federal laws or otherwise outdated. After a series of meetings, the task force forwarded proposed amendments to the City Council for consideration. During their meeting on Monday, Feb.13, the City Council approved an ordinance to hold a Charter Election on May 6 in conjunction with the election for City Council Places 1, 3, 5 and 7. The proposed amendments will be listed on the ballot as Propositions A through Z. Voters will have the option to vote “for” or “against” each of the 26 propositions. State law does not allow the amendments to be consolidated into fewer propositions. The propositions recommend changes to the following 4 general categories in the Charter: city officials, planning and zoning, civil service and general.
The City Charter is like the constitution of the City; it establishes the city’s general powers, duties and administrative structure of the City. The Charter cannot be changed by the City Council, but only by a majority vote of qualified voters who live within NRH city limits. The North Richland Hills City Charter was last amended in 2001. The current City Charter can be reviewed here: NRH Charter.
If you would like to learn more about the upcoming Charter Amendment propositions and election, please review the materials and video from the Feb. 13 City Council meeting.
A voter information guide will also be made available prior to the election.