HOME RULE CHARTER
Home rule cities began over 100 years ago in Texas. The state gives cities with at least 5,000 residents the right to self-govern. To self-govern, the voters must approve "home rule."
Brookshire will conduct a home rule charter election on May 4. This election will happen alongside the regular City Council elections.
Today, Brookshire operates under general law. That means the city follows state law. It does not have local control over its governance. Most cities in Texas operate under home rule or general law.
Read the draft of the Home Rule Charter and Frequently Asked Questions.
The following are answers to common questions about home rule charters:
When did the idea of a home rule charter begin in Brookshire? In 2016 city leaders worked on the first steps for a home rule election. In 2018, council unanimously adopted the process to begin a home rule charter election.
Why do I need to vote to let the city have home rule? Only an election can shift the power from the state control to the city self-government.
Will the Mayor position go away? No. The Mayor position remains an important pillar in home rule. The Mayor continues to control the City Council meetings. The Mayor continues to have an active part in leading the city.
How would the city operate under home rule? The city would have a Council-Manager form of government. This form has existed for over 100 years. It requires a City Council, a Mayor and a City Manager. The City Manager receives direction from council and follows it.
The staff handles daily operations. The council focuses on policy, direction, and strategy. The staff makes sure residents receive services. The staff implements the council's policies.
Do we have a City Manager? Brookshire has a City Administrator. This position operates like a City Manager. The position would change names under home rule, but the job remains the same.
What else happens under home rule? The City Council members would serve longer terms. Under home rule, they would serve 3 years instead of 2. Elections would be on a rolling basis so the entire City Council is not up for re-election at one time.
