The Lago Vista City Council convened on June 5, 2025, to discuss significant amendments to the city charter, focusing on the extension of council and mayoral terms, election processes, and governance structures.

The meeting began with a proposal to extend the terms of the mayor and council members from two years to three years, requiring a majority vote for election outcomes. This change aims to provide elected officials with a longer duration to acclimate to their roles and responsibilities. A transition plan was presented, detailing how the staggered terms would be implemented, ensuring continuity in governance.

Council members engaged in discussions regarding the potential establishment of electoral districts. However, the consensus was that the city is not yet prepared to pursue this option due to the complexities involved in drawing fair district lines, given the current size and demographics of Lago Vista.

The council also reviewed Section 3.06 of the charter, which outlines the duties and responsibilities of the mayor. It was noted that there is currently no corresponding section for council members, prompting discussions about creating a similar framework for them. The committee recommended clarifying the roles of council members and suggested that any changes be presented in a clear format for legal review.

A significant point of contention was the recommendation to reject term limits for council members, as introducing both term extensions and limits on the same ballot could confuse voters. The committee proposed that term limits could be considered in future elections, separate from the current term extension proposal.

Further discussions included the process for removing council members, with recommendations for a more nuanced approach to penalties, allowing for lesser consequences than outright removal. This change aims to provide a fairer process for addressing violations of the charter.

The council also addressed the need for voters to have a say in filling council vacancies, particularly if they extend beyond a year. The committee suggested that voters should choose replacements, ensuring community involvement in governance.

In addition, the council discussed lowering the petition thresholds for referendums and recalls, particularly in light of the proposed three-year terms. The committee recommended reducing the threshold for recall petitions from 10% to 5%, making it easier for citizens to initiate recalls.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to refine the charter language and ensure clarity in governance processes. The council plans to revisit these recommendations in future meetings, with the aim of presenting a cohesive charter amendment proposal to voters.