Overview

On February 7, 2004, the citizens of Murphy adopted a Home Rule Charter. The municipal government provided by this Charter shall be known as the “Council-Manager Government.” Pursuant to its provisions, and subject only to the limitations imposed by the State Constitution, state statutes, and by this Charter, all powers of the City shall be vested in an elected council, hereinafter referred to as the "City Council," which shall enact local legislation, adopt budgets, determine policies, and appoint City officials as noted in this Charter, including the City Manager, who in turn, shall be held responsible to the City Council for the execution of the laws and the administration of the government of the City.  All powers of the City shall be exercised in the manner prescribed by this Charter, or if the manner not be prescribed, then in such manner as may be prescribed by ordinance, the State Constitution or by state statutes.

City Council Meetings

The City Council shall hold at least two (2) meetings each month pursuant to section 3.09 of the Home-Rule Charter.  City Council shall conduct its regular meetings in the first and third Monday of each month.  If this schedule conflicts with the observance of a State or Federal Holiday, or for any majority vote of those members present and voting, City Council may change the date of a meeting provided adequate notice of the change is provided.

Closed/Executive Sessions may be called by the Mayor or by two or more Council Members for any purpose specifically authorized by State Law.  Any allowed subject matter deliberated in the Closed/Executive Session will be voted once the Council reconvenes into the public session of the Council meeting.  The Closed/Executive Session is recorded by a Certified Agenda, which will be signed by the Mayor for retention purposes.

Special Meetings/Work Sessions may be called by the Mayor or by three members of the City Council.  The topic(s) to be discussed must be identified on a posted agenda, and the City Council may only discuss the discussion items.

State law prescribes several specific requirements for Council meetings:

• A quorum, four (4) of the Council, be present for the transaction of business.
• Any question before the Council be decided by majority vote of the members present and voting, except where the law requires more than a simple majority.
• The Mayor always presides, if present.
• Every meeting of the City Council must be conducted in accordance with Chapter 551 of the Government Code, the Texas Open Meetings Act.  Elements of requirements include:  written notice of the date, hour, and location of every Council meeting, together with an agenda specifically describing all of the items to be considered, be posted 72 hours in advance of such meeting on a bulletin board in City Hall accessible to the public day and night.  The Open Meetings Act provides a few exceptions:  emergency or urgent public necessity and Executive/Closed Session purposes.