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Author Archives: Scott Francis

Procurement

Procuring Professional Services for Multi-Component Municipal Projects

By Scott Francis |

When taking on large-scale public improvement projects, Texas cities face a litany of complicated legal and practical challenges long before the first stake is ever placed in the ground. Such challenges involve essential questions of who will perform the necessary work, how will the city go about procuring the services, how much will it… Read More »

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Communication

No English, No Job?

By Scott Francis |

These days it is not uncommon to see job postings containing statements such as, “Dual-language role,” “Spanish-speaker preferred,” or “Ability to read and speak Mandarin required.” Because the laws and provisions in the State of Texas originated in the English language, it would almost seem to be a given that speaking, reading, and understanding… Read More »

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Golf Cart Crossing Sign

Staying On Par

By Scott Francis |

If it seems like you’ve been seeing more and more golf carts cruising around neighborhood streets, city parks, and other unexpected places (i.e., anywhere other than a golf course), no, you’re not going crazy. Golf carts are on the rise in Texas. In a state that tops lists for home sales in master planned… Read More »

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political advertising

Public Building or Public Funds?

By Scott Francis |

In a recent blog post, we discussed how Texas cities may inadvertently violate the Elections Code by authorizing the use of employee time for political advertising. However, does this statute also affect the ability of a municipality to allow political events at city-owned facilities? We are often asked the question of whether it is… Read More »

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Abandoned Vehicle

One Man’s Trash, Another Man’s Treasure: Abandoned Vehicles

By Scott Francis |

Whether you’re in a major metropolitan area, or a small rural community, one thing all Texas cities have in common is the existence of unwelcome abandoned vehicles. Abandoned cars, trucks, and RVs are not only an eyesore to most members of the community but can be a particular nuisance when occupying valuable parking spaces… Read More »

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New Laws Texas Cities Must Keep in Mind When Making New Year’s Resolutions

By Scott Francis |

The 88th Texas Legislature Session ushered in hundreds of new laws that directly affect the way Texas municipalities conduct business. Through the latter half of 2023, cities across the state have already been making necessary adjustments to the manner in which they regulate agricultural and farming operations (H.B. 1750, H.J.R. 126), interact with their… Read More »

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Advisory Committee

When is an Advisory Committee Subject to the Texas Open Meetings Act?

By Scott Francis |

Under the Texas Open Meetings Act – except in certain scenarios dictated by the Act – Texas cities are required to hold every regular, special, or called meeting of the governmental body open to the public.  The Act defines a governmental body to include any deliberative body that has rulemaking or quasi-judicial power and… Read More »

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Advertisement

In Political Advertising, Time (and Slogans) Equal Money

By Scott Francis |

Under the Texas Elections Code, an officer or employee of a political subdivision may not knowingly spend or authorize the spending of public funds for political advertising. Tex. Elec. Code § 255.003. Political advertising is defined as “a communication supporting or opposing a candidate for nomination or election to a public office or office… Read More »

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HB 1817 Places Onus on Cities to Escape Potentially Voidable Contracts

By Scott Francis |

In 2015, the Texas Legislature adopted House Bill 1295 – an ethics law requiring a written disclosure of interested parties by business entities that enter certain contracts with governmental entities, including municipalities. Now, before entering into a contract with a Texas municipality that requires an action or vote by the city council before the… Read More »

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Trademark

Hey, You Can’t Use That Logo! It Belongs to the City . . . right?

By Scott Francis |

As more and more businesses flock to the Lone Star State, cities in Texas are increasingly embracing municipal branding initiatives to promote what their communities have to offer and distinguish themselves from increased competition for business investment and tourism dollars. Just as with commercial businesses, the most effective approach for municipalities to build and… Read More »

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