(El. of 5-2-1998; El. of 11-5-2013)
The city shall have the powers granted to municipal corporations by the constitution and laws of the State of Texas, including the implied powers necessary to execute the powers granted. The specific mention of a particular power shall not be construed as limiting in any way the general powers granted herein. These powers include, but are not limited to:
(1) 
the acquisition of property inside or outside the city for any municipal purpose;
(2) 
the sale, lease, management, and control of city property as the best interests of the city require;
(3) 
the establishment and use of a corporate seal;
(4) 
the right to sue and be sued in the courts (provided this right is not a waiver of sovereign immunity, and shall never be so construed);
(5) 
the right to enter into contracts;
(6) 
the right to cooperate with state, federal, and other local governments to accomplish any lawful purpose in the best interest of the city and its inhabitants; and
(7) 
the adoption of ordinances for maintaining and promoting the peace and welfare of the city and for executing the functions of government.
(El. of 5-2-1998; El. of 11-5-2013)
The City Council may by ordinance, resolution or agreement with adjoining cities fix the boundaries in compliance with state law. The City Council may exchange territory with other cities and towns and disannex territory and annex territory. Residents of annexed territory shall be entitled to all rights and privileges of citizens who reside in the City, and shall be bound by the acts, ordinances, resolutions, and regulations of the City.
[1]
Editor's note—An amendment approved at election Nov. 5, 2013, repealed former §§ 6—7A of the Charter which pertained to annexation upon initiative of the city council, annexation under state law; effect of annexation, and effect of annexation, respectively, and derived from the original Charter as amended by the election of May 2, 1998.
(El. of 5-2-1998)
The city has the power of eminent domain to take private and public property, in or outside the city, for any public purpose, when necessary or desirable to carry out the powers conferred upon the city by this Charter or state law. This power of eminent domain includes the right of the city to take full title or an easement in land.
(El. of 5-2-1998; El. of 5-4-2019 )
(a) 
Zoning.
The city council has the authority to zone the city and to pass necessary ordinances and regulations to implement zoning in accordance with state law.
(b) 
Board of adjustment.
The city council shall create a board of adjustment as provided by state law which shall have the power and authority to perform those functions established in the zoning ordinance and by state law.
(El. of 5-2-1998; El. of 11-5-2013)
The city has inalienable and exclusive authority and jurisdiction over the uses in, upon, over, and under the streets, alleys, and other rights-of-way of the city. This exclusive authority includes, but is not limited to, the right to regulate, locate, relocate, remove, or prohibit the location of, all utility pipes, lines, wires, or other property.
(El. of 5-2-1998; El. of 11-5-2013)
The city has the authority to provide a solid waste system for the city. The city council may by ordinance adopt regulations for the handling of all garbage, trash, and rubbish in the city and fix charges for its removal. Any contract or license permitting or authorizing garbage or solid waste removal service within the city shall be subject to the provisions of Article XI of this charter.
(El. of 5-2-1998)
The city has the authority to provide a sanitary sewer system and to require property owners to connect their premises to the sewer system. The city council may by ordinance provide penalties for failure to make sanitary sewer connections, adopt regulations for the protection of the sewer system, and fix charges for sanitary sewer service.
(El. of 5-2-1998)
The city has the authority to provide for a water system and its management. The city council may by ordinance prescribe charges and regulations, for water connections, turn-on, cut-off, consumption, use, and waste, and prescribe penalties for violation of these regulations.
(El. of 5-2-1998; El. of 11-5-2013)
The city has the authority to establish and maintain a public library free to residents within the city and to cooperate with any person or other entity, under terms the city council may prescribe, for the establishment or maintenance of the public library.
(El. of 4-6-1974; El. of 5-2-1998; El. of 11-5-2013)
The city has authority to provide and control city parks. Pursuant to this authority, the city may install improvements in the parks, including, but not limited to, landscaping, amusements, recreational facilities, buildings, playgrounds, walkways, and driveways.
(El. of 5-2-1998)
The municipal court of the city is established for the trial of misdemeanor offenses with the powers and duties as prescribed by state law.
(El. of 5-2-1998)
The city has the authority to:
(1) 
regulate burial grounds, cemeteries, and crematories owned by any person, firm, or corporation;
(2) 
condemn and close a burial ground, cemetery, or crematory when the public interest or public health demands it; and
(3) 
purchase, establish, own, regulate and maintain one or more cemeteries.