City Charter

Proposition A amends the Ethics Review Board section of the City Charter in the following ways:

• Adds a definition of "conflicts of interest"
• requires funding to the Ethics Review Board so it can perform all its assigned duties
• authorizes the Ethics Review Board to accept or decline complaints that have been resolved elsewhere.

What is the proposed new definition of "conflicts of interest"?

The new definition would set the expectation that all City officials and employees must uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct and not allow their actions to lead to improper personal gain or an adverse effect on the city's interests. The City Council can then pass ordinances with penalties for violations.

Proposition B amends multiple sections of the Charter to update or remove language that is old or outdated.

Are there any policy or procedural changes in Proposition B?

No.

What are some examples of outdated or old Charter sections?

One provision permits petitions to be signed in indelible pencil (a pencil that contains a dye that makes the marks permanent). Also, certain practices in departments have evolved over time and current charter language is not reflective of those practices.

Proposition C amends the Charter and gives the City Council the authority to decide the terms of the City Manager's employment and pay. The City Manager position would no longer be limited to eight years in the role. The City Council would determine hiring and firing.

How is the City Manager's pay and tenure determined now?

The current Charter language limits any City Manager to a total of eight years of service in the position. The pay is capped at 10 times the pay of the lowest paid City employee.

If this Proposition passes, how will the City Council decide the pay and tenure of the City Manager?

The City Council must vote to appoint the City Manager. The compensation would typically be based on a contract that is also approved by the City Council.

Proposition D amends the Charter to allow all City employees except City executives to participate in local political activity as consistent with State and Federal law. The Charter amendment includes protections for employees against political retaliation.

Does the current Charter prohibit City employees from participating in local elections?

Yes.

Would the amendment allow employees to participate in local elections on City time?

No. City employees are legally barred from participating in political activities on City time or using City resources for political activities.

Proposition E amends the Charter by adjusting the compensation for City Council members to $70,200 and the Mayor to $87,800 starting in May 2025. After this date, annual adjustments will reflect the United States Housing and Urban Development 4-member household median income for San Antonio. Council members and the Mayor may decline any or all of their compensation.

When was City Council pay last adjusted?

in 2015, City Council pay was increased to $45,722, and the Mayor's pay was increased to $61,725.

If the Proposition passes, can the City Council vote to change the amount of compensation?

No. The Charter will establish the base compensation and the yearly adjustments.

Proposition F amends the Charter by changing the length of time in a single term from two to four years. Proposition F also changes the term limits from four full terms to two full terms.

How will Proposition F impact current Council members?

Current Council members re-elected in May 2025 will continue to be limited to eight years in office. This may create the need for a special election to fill their seat for the remainder of the four-year term.

Will the Proposition change the timing of City Council elections?

No. City Council elections will continue to be held in May of odd-numbered years.