(a) 
The city manager shall confirm the appointment of all compensated city staff and reserve police officers, except those positions specifically requiring council action pursuant to the city charter, in accordance with each annual budget as adopted by the city council.
(b) 
The city manager shall have the authority to dismiss compensated city staff and reserve police officers, except department heads, which will require the consent of the city council.
(c) 
Unless otherwise required by statute or other ordinance, all employees of the city and all officials identified in article IV of the city charter shall serve at-will.
(d) 
The city council may enter an employment agreement with the city manager provided nothing therein shall be construed as altering the at-will nature of the employment relationship.
(e) 
The city council may negotiate and approve, or authorize the city manager to negotiate and execute, an engagement letter or other documentation setting out the scope and financial terms of the relationship between the city and the city attorney or deputy city attorney, provided nothing therein shall be construed as altering the at-will nature of the attorney-client relationship.
(f) 
The city manager is authorized to use discretion consistent with best practices to negotiate and execute employment agreements with department heads, assistant city manager, and city officials identified in article IV of the city charter.
(1) 
A department head is any city employee who is the chief director and/or manager of any department of the city.
(2) 
An employment agreement negotiated under this provision:
(A) 
Shall not modify the at-will nature of the employment relationship and any attempt to do so shall be void;
(B) 
Shall expressly state that the employee is at-will and may be terminated at any time for any reason (except an illegal reason) or for no reason;
(C) 
May provide for severance payments to the employee if dismissed without good cause;
(D) 
May provide specifics of a performance or longevity bonus plan;
(E) 
May contain other terms and provisions negotiated between the city manager and employee; and
(F) 
Shall be approved in writing by the city attorney prior to execution by the employee or official.
(Ordinance 2021-04-26-01 adopted 4/26/21; Ordinance 2023-05-15-03 adopted 5/15/2023)
(a) 
Findings.
(1) 
The city desires to offer optional health benefits coverage to its retirees;
(2) 
Texas Municipal League group benefits risk pool is a health risk pool established pursuant to Texas Local Government Code chapter 172, Texas Government Code chapter 791, and the Texas Trust Code to provide health benefits coverage for employees and retirees, and dependents of employees and retirees, of Texas political subdivisions under an interlocal agreement;
(3) 
The city is currently offering health benefits coverage to qualified employees through the Texas Municipal League group benefits risk pool pursuant to interlocal agreement and chapter 172 of the Texas Local Government Code, both of which would allow the extension of benefits to retirees of the city;
(4) 
The city desires to allow optional health benefits to its retirees through the Texas Municipal League group benefits risk pool and that the cost of such optional retiree coverage is to be paid for by the individual retiree;
(5) 
The city desires to select a range of optional benefits for its retirees to be provided by the Texas Municipal League group benefits risk pool; and
(6) 
Providing optional retiree coverage under the Texas Municipal League group benefits risk pool interlocal agreement is in the best interest of the city, its retirees, and the public generally.
(b) 
Election to offer coverage.
The city hereby elects to offer optional health benefits coverage to its retirees through Texas Municipal League group benefits risk pool under the pool’s interlocal agreement.
(c) 
Definition of retiree.
The city hereby adopts the following definition of “retiree” for purposes of this section: Meets the definition and eligibility standards for retirement benefits under TMRS.
(d) 
Benefit plans.
The city hereby adopts the following optional retiree benefit plans to be offered to its retirees, early retirees and retirees not yet entitled to Medicare through the Texas Municipal League group benefits risk pool:
(1) 
The TML Retiree Medical/Dental/Life Pool Plan.
(2) 
Medicare Supplemental Plan.
(3) 
Retiree Continuum of Care Mini Med/Prescription Plan.
(4) 
Retiree Continuum of Care Vision.
(5) 
Retiree Continuum of Care Dental.
(6) 
Retiree Continuum of Care Basic and Optional Life.
(e) 
Modifications.
The interlocal agreement in effect between the city and the Texas Municipal League Group benefits risk pool provides that the board of trustees may adopt rules and regulations. Other coverages may be as established annually by the Texas Municipal League group benefits risk pool board of trustees as deemed appropriate.
(f) 
Applicability.
This section will only apply to qualified retiring individuals after its effective date and after the TML plan year renewal date of October 1, 2005. The Medicare supplemental plan begins effective January 1, 2006.
(g) 
Repeal or amendment.
This section may be repealed or amended at any time, but will remain in effect for any employee retiring while it is in effect.
(Ordinance 2005-08-15-6, secs. 1–7, adopted 8/15/05)
(a) 
Acting city manager.
The assistant city manager shall fulfill the duties of city manager during any temporary absence of the city manager.
(b) 
Temporary city manager.
In instances in which the assistant city manager is unavailable, the city manager shall appoint a city officer or employee who shall fulfill the duties of city manager during any temporary absence of the city manager.
(c) 
Interim city manager.
In the event that the city manager becomes unable to perform the duties of the office for more than sixty (60) days, or the office becomes vacant for any reason, the city council shall appoint an interim city manager who shall fulfill the duties of the office until the city manager is able to perform the duties of the office or the vacancy is filled, but who shall not be entitled by virtue of such appointment to the compensation or employment contract rights of the city manager.
(Ordinance 2025-01-27-03 adopted 1/27/2025)