HomeMy WebLinkAboutPR 24055: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR, TEXAS ADOPTING THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR’S LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES FOR THE 89TH SESSION OF THE TEXAS STATE LEGISLATURE, 2025 P.R. NO. 24055
11/25/2024 RPC
RESOLUTION No.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR,TEXAS ADOPTING THE
CITY OF PORT ARTHUR'S LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES FOR THE 89TH
SESSION OF THE TEXAS STATE LEGISLATURE, 2025 (REQUESTED BY
COUNCILMEMBER HAMILTON EVERFIELD)
WHEREAS,the City Council of the City of Port Arthur,Texas desires to adopt the attached legislative
priorities of the City of Port Arthur,Texas for the 89th session of the Texas State Legislature,2025;
and
WHEREAS,on November 12, 2024, Texas state legislators began filing legislation that will impact
City operations, finances and our citizens; and
WHEREAS, on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, the 89th Session of the Texas State Legislature will
convene for a 140-day session to consider legislation in Austin, Texas; and
WHEREAS, during the 89t1 Session, it is anticipated the Texas State Legislature will decide many
significant issues that directly and indirectly impact residents and businesses of Port Arthur, their
local government and their quality of life.
Now THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR,TEXAS:
SECTION 1. The City Council of the City of Port Arthur,Texas hereby approves and adopts the
City of Port Arthur's Legislative Priorities for the 89th Session of the Texas State
Legislature, 2025 hereby incorporated for all purposes as Exhibit A.
SECTION 2. The Mayor and City Council hereby direct themselves,the City Manager and the City
Attorney to distribute and communicate the approved Legislative Priorities for the
89th Session of the Texas State Legislature to members of the Texas Legislature,in
general,and/or to appropriate legislative committees,committee members,the City's
legislative consultant and other persons or groups that may influence the 89th
Legislative Session as appropriate.
SECTION 3. For legislative priorities designated as "support", the Mayor, Councilmembers,the
City Manager and/or the City Manager's designee are directed to actively pursue
passage of the appropriate legislation if it is introduced by some other entity.Efforts
to obtain passage of the legislation may include drafting appropriate legislation,
seeking a sponsor, or actively pursuing passage of such legislation by providing
testimony and through other legal means.
PR No. 24055-City of Port Arthur, Texas 89th Texas Legislative Priorities Page 1
SECTION 4. For legislative priorities designated as "oppose", the Mayor, Councilmembers, the
City Manager and/or the City Manager's designee are directed to attempt to impede
the passage of any such legislation.
SECTION 5. The Mayor and the City Manger are specifically authorized to sign any and all letters,
petitions,and/or other documents on behalf of the City in order to promote the City's
Legislative Priorities and Agenda.
SECTION 6. The City Manager is directed to assign city projects that are aligned and support the
City's legislative priorities.
SECTION 7. When testimony before various committees or subcommittees is needed to support or
oppose a bill, the Mayor, the Councilmembers, the City Manager and/or the City
Manager's designee are authorized to testify so long as testimony is consistent with
the approved Legislative Priorities and Agenda and the travel is coordinated through
the City Manager's office.
SECTION 8. Further,the City's Legislative Priorities for 2025 may be amended from time to time
by resolution of the City Council.
SECTION 9. This Resolution shall take effect immediately from and after the date of passage and
is so resolved.
SECTION 10. That a copy of the caption of this Resolution shall be spread upon the Minutes of the
City Council.
READ,ADOPTED AND APPROVED,this 3rd day of December, 2024 AD, at a Regular Meeting of the
City Council of the City of Port Arthur, Texas by the following vote: AYES:
•
Mayor:
Councilmembers: •
•
NOES:
Thurman Bill Bartie, Mayor
ATTEST:
Sherri Bellard, City Secretary
PR No. 24055-City of Port Arthur, Texas 89'" Texas Legislative Priorities Page 2
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Roxann Pais Cotroneo, City Attorney
APPROVED FO ADMINISTRATIO :
/5241
Ronald urton, CPM, Ci anager
PR No. 24055-City of Port Arthur, Texas 89"Texas Legislative Priorities Page 3
CITY OF PORT ARTHUR'S TEXAS
89TH TEXAS LEGISLATURE PRIORITIES
SUPPORT OF STATE APPROPRIATIONS
• Funds for water infrastructure
• Funds for highway construction from Port Arthur to Sabine Pass
• Funds for local parks grants program
• Funds to support institution of higher education,including Lamar State College-Port Arthur
• Funds for mental health services for the homeless
LOCAL GOVERNANCE
• Support legislation that would benefit the City and the continued ability of local elected
officials to pass ordinances that meet the unique needs of the community
• Oppose legislation to eliminate a City's authority to designate any part of its extraterritorial
jurisdiction as an industrial district
• Oppose legislation that results in the City's loss of revenue or negatively impacts that
authority to generate revenues.
• Oppose legislation that would erode Texas Home-Rule municipal authority
PR No. 24055-City of Port Arthur, Texas 891" Texas Legislative Priorities Page 4