Franchise arrangements for cable services are a major benefit to many Texas municipalities. In addition to serving as a source of revenue, they often provide additional “freebies” such as low- or no-cost services for public institutions. However, a recent...
The Texas Public Information Act (PIA) allows the public to request large quantities of information about what is going on in the government. Although citizens may see it as a reassurance, it may seem more complicated for your government office.While you may not...
Texans are an essential part of the Texas government. The wants and needs of the citizens should be part of every action their elected officials take.Part of the process for Texans being involved in their government includes having information about what is happening...
There is a lot that goes into the everyday business of running a Texas governing body. Whether you are supporting your city or other municipality, it can seem like there is an endless list of obligations and rules for completing those tasks.When it comes time to...
The people in your city have many different levels of interest. There may be a group that wants to be at every meeting, and there will be others that do not vote and are not interested in government business at all.Whether your residents are interested or not, the...
Federal and local governments usually encourage whistleblowers to come forward if they witness legal or ethical violations in their workplace. But what happens when employees blow the whistle on public entities?A whistleblower report can be a challenge to deal with...
Zoning and land use are often some of the most important issues that cities and local governments handle. They are also often the most debated issues. Texas landowners can be protective of their property, and that can sometimes make zoning ordinances difficult to...
San Antonio’s paid sick leave ordinance was supposed to have been implemented on August 1. But Bexar County District Judge Sol Casseb approved an agreement between the City Attorney’s office and a business coalition to delay the ordinance’s by four...
As we enter the last half of 2019, more people are talking about the 2020 elections. While the more popular conversation tends to be about the presidential election, there are other offices up for re-election in 2020.Running for office is expensive and difficult, no...
