Dallas aldermen discuss residency complaint about Alderwoman Thomas; Board of Elections process explained

The Board of Aldermen discussed a complaint regarding the residency of Alderwoman Thomas at the July 9 meeting after documentation showed she had purchased property at 1111 Old Dallas Highway, which lies outside the town's corporate limits.

Alderwoman Thomas told the board that her primary residence is 517 S. Spargo St., inside Dallas, and said she is eligible to vote there. Town Attorney Tom Hunn advised that the proper procedure for challenging an elected official's residency is to file a challenge with the Board of Elections; the Board of Elections would hold a hearing and could declare the seat vacant if it finds the member is not a resident, though the transcript notes the member is allowed to participate in the vacancy vote under the ordinance.

The board discussed the matter but did not take formal disciplinary action; the Town Attorney outlined the legal steps for any formal challenge.