Frequently Asked Questions

City Charters are like rulebooks for how cities work. They explain how the local government is set up, what powers officials have, and key processes. Any changes to a City Charter must be approved by voters. These amendments aim to update Bay City's Charter to make the government work better, be more flexible, and more stable. They are based on best practices, past experiences, and public input.

Bay City voters will decide in the May 3, 2025 election. Each amendment will be on the ballot separately, so voters can choose 'For' or 'Against' for each one.

These changes build on the work of past Charter Review Commissions from 2012 and 2018, which used public input and data to suggest updates. The current effort includes discussions between City Council, staff, and legal experts, aiming to modernize the Charter while keeping in line with past community input and long-term goals.

No, these changes are about how the city is run and won't affect tax or utility rates.

The Texas Constitution provides that a city charter shall not be altered, amended or repealed more often than every two years.

In 2019, City Council terms were changed to three years, leading to four seats being up for election at the same time every three years. This can cause a lack of continuity and disrupt projects. Staggering the elections means only two positions are up for election each year, which helps with stability and consistent leadership.

Yes, it will cost about $10,000 every third year for an extra election. But the benefits of stable leadership and continuity are worth this cost.

No. The Council can still hold as many meetings as needed. This change just allows them to cancel a meeting if there's no urgent business, saving time and resources. 

All meetings will still follow the Texas Open Meetings Act, with public notices on the City’s website and other channels. The Council also adopts an ordinance each year listing the regular meeting dates, giving the public advance notice. 

This change allows the Council to hire or keep the best person for City Manager, even if they live outside Bay City but within Matagorda County. Many factors, like housing availability and family needs, can make strict residency rules a barrier. This amendment helps Bay City stay competitive in hiring top talent. More than half (52%) of Texas Home Rule cities in the San Jacinto-Houston area have either residency flexibility or no residency requirements for city managers. Including: Pearland, La Porte, Katy and Angleton to name a few.  

This amendment does apply to the current City Manager, who has shown great service and progress for our city. But it's not just for one person. Future Councils can decide on a case-by-case basis whether to enforce or waive the residency rule, based on what's best for the city.

No. The City Manager must live within Matagorda County and within 20 miles of Bay City, keeping a strong local connection. Bay City is the largest city and county seat, so living nearby ensures the City Manager stays engaged with the community. 

Election Day is May 3, 2025. Early voting starts on April 22, 2025, at the Bay City Service Center (USO), 2105 Avenue M, Bay City, TX 77414. 

Visit www.cityofbaycity.org or contact the City Secretary’s Office for more details.