Consultant departs charter commission as Crockett council seeks new vendor for revision

During the council meeting’s administrative update, the council heard that the charter revision commission had met and that a consultant recommended revising the charter to expand the council’s authority over appointments to certain city offices. Speaker 1 said the recommendation included changes that would move appointment authority for some officials to the council, a proposal he and the city attorney told the consultant would not be supported by the council or likely voters.

Speaker 1 reported the consultant insisted on that approach and subsequently indicated an intent to step down. The administrator emphasized the commission had good attendance and that the city will seek a new consultant who 'makes recommendations based on best practices and statutory guidance' but does not prescribe changes that are not required by law.

Council member Speaker 4 said the commission must produce a charter fitting for Crockett rather than a "one‑size‑fits‑all" model, and reiterated that the city administrator is not responsible for hiring and firing the fire chief under current local practice. The council did not adopt charter changes at this meeting; Speaker 1 said staff and the commission will look for a different consultant to continue the process.