City of Mingus, Texas

Title II – Administration and Government

Adopted by Ordinance No. 2025-__, effective ________ 2025

Chapter 2.01 – General Provisions

Sec. 2.01.001 Purpose

This Title defines the organization and operation of the City of Mingus government, its officers, departments, and administrative procedures.

Sec. 2.01.002 Form of Government

The City of Mingus operates as a Home-Rule municipality with powers granted by the Texas Constitution and the City Charter, governed by a Mayor-Council form of government.

Sec. 2.01.003 Corporate Seal

The City Seal shall bear the words “City of Mingus, Texas” and shall be affixed to all official instruments and proclamations executed by the Mayor or City Secretary.

Chapter 2.02 – Governing Body

Sec. 2.02.001 Composition

The Governing Body consists of the Mayor and five (5) Aldermen elected at-large for two-year staggered terms.

Sec. 2.02.002 Meetings

Regular meetings shall be held monthly at City Hall unless otherwise posted.
Special meetings may be called by the Mayor or a majority of the Council.
All meetings shall comply with the Texas Open Meetings Act (Chapter 551, Government Code).

Sec. 2.02.003 Quorum and Voting

A majority of the elected Council constitutes a quorum. Except as otherwise required by law, actions of the Council are adopted by majority vote of those present.

Sec. 2.02.004 Duties of the Mayor

The Mayor presides at Council meetings, represents the City in ceremonial functions, executes contracts, and serves as Emergency Management Director. The Mayor votes only in case of a tie.

Sec. 2.02.005 Duties of Aldermen

Members of Council enact ordinances, approve budgets, and establish policies for the operation of City government.

Chapter 2.03 – Officers and Employees

Sec. 2.03.001 City Secretary

The City Secretary is appointed by the Council and shall:

Keep the official records and minutes of the City;
Maintain the seal and attest official documents;
Administer elections and public notices;
Perform duties prescribed by law or Council direction.

Sec. 2.03.002 City Administrator (or Clerk)

The City Administrator serves as chief administrative officer, responsible for daily operations, supervision of employees, budget implementation, and enforcement of Council policies.

Sec. 2.03.003 City Attorney

The City Attorney shall advise the Council and officers on legal matters, prepare ordinances and contracts, and represent the City in civil proceedings as directed.

Sec. 2.03.004 Other Officers

The Council may appoint or contract for additional officers, inspectors, or consultants as necessary for City operations.

Chapter 2.04 – Finance and Budget

Sec. 2.04.001 Fiscal Year

The City fiscal year begins January 1 and ends December 31 of the following year.

Sec. 2.04.002 Annual Budget

The City Administrator shall prepare and submit to the Council an annual budget in accordance with Chapter 102 of the Texas Local Government Code. The budget must be adopted by ordinance before the fiscal year begins.

Sec. 2.04.003 Depositories and Investments

All City funds shall be deposited in a depository approved by Council and invested in accordance with the Public Funds Investment Act (Chapter 2256, Government Code).

Sec. 2.04.004 Purchasing and Expenditures

The City Administrator is authorized to approve purchases up to a limit set by Council. Larger purchases require Council approval and competitive bids as required by state law.

Sec. 2.04.005 Audit

The Council shall cause an annual independent audit of City accounts to be performed by a qualified auditor.

Chapter 2.05 – Records and Public Information

Sec. 2.05.001 Public Records

All City records are public unless exempt under the Texas Public Information Act. Requests shall be filed with the City Secretary in writing or electronically.

Sec. 2.05.002 Retention and Destruction

The City follows the Texas State Library records retention schedule. Records may be destroyed only after retention periods have expired and authorization is granted by the City Secretary.

Sec. 2.05.003 Electronic Records

Digital records and web systems maintained by the City shall be secured and backed up regularly. Electronic records carry the same legal status as paper records.

Chapter 2.06 – Boards and Commissions

Sec. 2.06.001 Creation and Appointment

The Council may establish advisory boards or commissions by resolution. Members are appointed by the Mayor with Council approval and serve without compensation unless otherwise provided.

Sec. 2.06.002 Powers and Duties

Boards and commissions serve in an advisory capacity and shall not expend funds or bind the City without authorization.

Chapter 2.07 – Ethics and Conduct

Sec. 2.07.001 Conflict of Interest

City officials and employees shall comply with Chapter 171 of the Texas Local Government Code. Any member with a substantial interest in a matter before the Council must file a conflict statement and abstain from voting.

Sec. 2.07.002 Nepotism

No officer shall appoint or vote to appoint a relative in violation of Chapter 573 of the Texas Government Code.

Sec. 2.07.003 Code of Conduct

All City officials and employees shall perform their duties fairly, honestly, and in the public interest, avoiding use of office for personal gain or favoritism.

Chapter 2.08 – Enforcement and Penalties

Sec. 2.08.001 Violations

Any person who violates the administrative procedures or ethical standards of this Title may be subject to disciplinary action, termination, or municipal citation as authorized by law.

Sec. 2.08.002 Penalties

Unless otherwise specified, violations are misdemeanors punishable by fines up to $500 per offense.

Sec. 2.08.003 Severability

If any section of this Title is held invalid, the remaining sections shall remain in effect.

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