Boards and commissions within the city of Southlake will no longer have term limits after the city council voted to update the code of ordinances during its Oct. 6 meeting.
Previously, members were not allowed to serve more than three consecutive two-year terms, according to the city. Under the new ordinance, members can be reappointed to a board after every two-year term.
The specifics
The updated ordinance applies to all of the city’s boards and commissions.
There are 17 unique boards and commissions listed on the city’s website, including the zoning board of adjustment, the library board and the arts council.
The planning and zoning commission is not affected by the new ordinance as it was exempted from term limits in 2022, according to the city. Term limits were originally set in 2020.
The change also applies retroactively to previously appointed board and commission members.
More details
The other goal of the updates to the city code of ordinances was to consolidate previous amendments and remove unneeded language, making it clearer and easier to navigate, according to the city.
The city council appoints members to the boards and commissions at different points throughout the year, with appointments happening in June, September and October.
What they’re saying
While the council members agreed that forcing involved citizens out of boards and commissions with term limits was not benefiting the city, they also talked about the importance of not just reappointing people because it is easy.
“I think there needs to be a little bit more discussion on each of those people if they are doing a decent job and also looking at the people who are coming,” council member Chuck Taggart said. “I don’t want us to be stuck with somebody forever just because we like them and they’re doing a good job too when there might be somebody else who wants to serve and we think might actually be qualified.”
