VOTE
NO
AGAINST PROPOSITION E
FACT: If passed, it will DOUBLE the Councilmember term limits. The current charter only allows for two consecutive 3-year terms (maximum of 6 consecutive years). Prop E will increase term limits to four consecutive 3-year terms (maximum of 12 consecutive years). Also to note, the 3 Councilmembers who bypassed the Charter Review Committee and pushed forth this agenda initially wanted to do away with term limits completely!
FACT: The current qualifications and term limits are CLEARLY defined in the charter. There is "no mess" nor is there "100% certainty a loophole". Those statements are completely FALSE.
FACT: There are ZERO seats with no term limits. ALL Councilmembers can only serve two consecutive 3-year terms; it's very black and white in the charter. Furthermore, seat swapping has NEVER occurred given the charter has always been interpreted correctly and appropriately for almost 45 years.
Councilmembers should NOT be career politicians, and doubling their years in office from two to four consecutive terms would prohibit the City from continuing to evolve and grow. New perspectives, fresh ideas, etc. are healthy and vital to the City's ongoing success. Furthermore, this amendment does NOT "fix" any "loophole" they claim allows for no term limits or "seat swapping".
VOTE NO!
CURRENT TOPIC OF DISCUSSION
“The heart of this issue isn't solely about supporting or opposing the proposed city charter amendments, but rather the way in which the process bypassed the charter review commission. The city charter clearly outlines the procedures for amending the charter, and those procedures were disregarded when the proposed changes were presented directly to the City Council—without being reviewed and discussed by the commission, as intended. The charter review commission exists to ensure transparency, thorough evaluation, and public input. Council members who had concerns or proposed amendments had the opportunity to present them before the commission but chose not to do so. This departure from established procedure is disappointing, as it undermines the integrity of the review process. As for the amendments themselves, I stand with past mayors and earlier charter review commissions in believing that the provisions in question should remain unchanged. While I respect the democratic process, the way in which these amendments were introduced is still a concern.” - Dusty Thiele, Mayor
Excerpt from a Covering Katy article published on April 5, 2025.
Click HERE for the full article.
MAYOR SAYS NO
VOTE
NO
AGAINST PROPOSITION D
FACT: Katy's Home Rule Charter is a "Mayor-Aldermanic- Administrator Form of Government", and the Mayor is the "Head of City Government". He acts as the Chief Administrative and Executive Officer of the City. All Administrative work of the City Government shall be under control of the Mayor.
FACT: The current charter DOES allow all employees, with the exception of "appointed" ones, the ability to appeal a suspension and/or termination with Council.
FACT: This proposed amendment ONLY applies to those positions that are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council (not all Directors).
This could be a good thing if there's a "renegade" Mayor, but it could create a hostile work environment if Council approves a reinstatement against the Mayor's wishes given he is Head of City Government.
VOTE NO!
VOTE
NO
AGAINST PROPOSITIONS B & C
FACT: In the current charter, if the Mayor or Councilmembers become a candidate for nomination or election to any other public office (within or outside the City), they must vacate their current seat.
FACT: The current charter is NOT in "violation" or "out of compliance" with the state constitution. As a Home Rule Charter city, the charter CAN have more restrictive rules than the state. This was confirmed by the City Attorney during the 2/10/25 City Council meeting. Her explanation can be viewed during the recorded meeting found HERE (Located at timestamp 01:14:20).
FACT: If passed, they could guarantee their place on Council in the event of a loss, while preventing a resident for running for the incumbent's current position.
These props would allow the Mayor (Prop B) and Councilmembers (Prop C) to serve in their position WHILE campaigning for another public office. Our elected officials should be solely focused on current City of Katy issues.
VOTE NO & NO!
VOTE
NO
AGAINST PROPOSITION A
FACT: In the current charter, if the Mayor is absent, the Mayor Pro Tem shall act as Mayor and shall possess ALL of the powers and perform ALL of the duties of the Mayor.
FACT: There is zero disruption in governance if the Mayor is absent. Furthermore, if there is an emergency, the Mayor (or Mayor Pro Tem in his absence ) does NOT need Council approval to make decisions to keep our City safe.
FACT: This amendment only changes two things: 1) Gives the Mayor Pro Tem power to vote, regardless if there's a tie, if acting as Mayor and 2) Gives the Mayor Pro Tem power to count towards a quorum if acting as Mayor.
FACT: If passed, the Mayor Pro Tem could call a special meeting within 72 hours and vote to push through an issue with his/her vote and only 3 other Councilmembers present.
Prop A gives the Mayor Pro Tem MORE power than the elected Mayor when the Mayor Pro Tem acts as Mayor. The Mayor Pro Tem would become a "Super Mayor" - getting the full powers of the Mayor AND a Councilmember at the same time.
VOTE NO!
3 COUNCILMEMBERS BYPASSED CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE
What's the Charter Review Committee? It's a group of citizens appointed by the Mayor and approved by City Council that is tasked, through the City Charter, to review and offer recommendations and/or amendments to the Charter.
The Charter is like the constitution of the city and something that isn't changed lightly. The Charter Review Committee's process helps prevent the Council from putting an unvetted and/or self-serving amendment(s) to the voters to begin with. The formal process allows a group of citizens to discuss, research and refine amendments BEFORE they are presented to the Mayor and Council for consideration. The meetings are open to the public, participation by the Mayor, Councilmembers and Department Heads is encouraged and are overseen by the City Attorney. After their due diligence, if any amendments are recommended by the committee, the Mayor and Council will review and vote on whether they should be placed on the ballot for a vote.
FACT: 3 Councilmembers bypassed this formal City Charter process
to push their own agenda.
WE CARE ABOUT KATY
We are a strong group of concerned residents of the City of Katy who believe in transparency, presenting facts and truths, supporting the rights of our citizens and always keeping a high level of morality.
VOTE
NO
to City of Katy Charter Propositions
Here is why you should
There are currently 5 propositions on the upcoming ballot to amend the Katy City Charter - Props A-E.
Here are the facts and truths about what you will be voting on.
Photo credit: George Slaughter of Covering Katy News
Still have questions?
The large group of residents that make up the Katy Concerned Residents are experienced community leaders with deep knowledge and understanding of the governance of the City of Katy. We truly care about the our City, the past, present and future. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us directly. Someone will be in touch!