Charter Review meeting 06-01-2026 Meeting Recording

The City of Brownsville, Texas Charter Review Committee convened on June 1, 2026, to discuss recommendations for charter amendments and election scheduling. Key procurement-related discussions included the timing of charter amendment elections, with options for November 2026 or May 2027, and the associated statutory deadlines for ordinance readings by the city commission. The committee deliberated on the fiscal impact of holding elections in November versus May, noting potential increased costs due to multiple elections in the same fiscal year and voter fatigue concerns. They also reviewed proposed amendments related to city officials' compensation, recommending an increase of the mayor's salary to $60,000 and commissioners' salaries to $40,000 without automatic cost-of-living adjustments (COLA). Additionally, the committee considered whether to codify campaign finance regulations in the city charter or maintain them as ordinances, favoring a flexible approach that requires compliance with federal and state law but avoids rigid charter language. The committee agreed to hold at least two more meetings at alternative city locations to finalize recommendations for presentation to the city commission by July 7, 2026, to meet election ordering deadlines. Motions were passed to increase salaries and to table disciplinary provisions for future discussion.