By Matt Ward—
City of Fredericksburg officials provided little clarity about the future of a yet-to-be-filed lawsuit challenging the recent charter amendment requiring voter approval for inter-fund transfers.
The Fredericksburg City Council met in executive session about the suit Oct. 6 and took no action following the closed discussion.
“The council has taken no final action regarding this litigation,” City Manager Kent Myers said in a statement. “It is taking time to examine all aspects of the potentially expensive litigation in a financially responsible manner.”
“Meanwhile, the city continues to follow all budget requirements of state law as well as its own financial policies which are more stringent for fund transfers than the requirements of state law,” Myers said.
At issue is the status of the city’s $6.5-million water revenue bond package, approved by the city council last summer, which is funding improvements to water facilities and the waste water treatment plant and has its final maturity in 2033.
Myers said that citizens concerned about the city budget or any expenditure are encouraged to review the budget online at www.fbgtx.org or at the city offices, and contact City Hall with any questions or concerns.
After announcing the suit in late June, the initial two-week projected time frame to file in the Travis County District Court passed, though lawyers at Norton, Rose and Fulbright continue to work on briefs in the case.
Passed by voters in a slim 581-556 decision in May, the amendment regulates the ability of the city to transfer money from enterprise funds and requires approval by voters prior to the transfer.
For more on this story, read this week’s print and online editions of the Fredericksburg Standard-Radio Post. If you are a print subscriber, your full online subscription is free. All you need to do is call 830-997-2155 to get a password. If you are not a subscriber, call 997-2155 or click on the ‘Subscribe’ button on the left side of the home page and sign up today!