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July 6, 2021 Mr. Grayson Path City Manager City of Paris 135 SE1st St. Paris, Texas 75461 Dear Mr. Path: It is my understanding that the City of Paris is considering an effort to amend its City Charter in certain respects. Based on preliminary discussions with you and the Mayor, the purpose of this letter is (a) to comment on the apparent need for revision; (b) to briefly review the legal process involved; and (c) to submit a proposal by which I would be available to assist this effort as a consultant. THE NEED. FOR AMENDMENT The City of Paris is one of some 365 Texas cities governed under the terms of a local constitution, more commonly known as a home rule charter. Paris's current charter was adopted in 1948 and revised with a sizeable number of amendments in 2007, fifteen years ago. As a general matter and based on my experience, any home rule charter that has not been routinely amended over the years commonly has three types of problems. First, the charter has certain requirements that, by local decision, are not being strictly observed in the current operation of the city. The reasons for such variances are wide-ranging and their origins are sometimes difficult to trace. Then, the charter commonly include provisions that are no longer consistent with state law. This results from the periodic preemption or standardization by the legislature of certain local functions and/or operations. Finally, provisions in older charters have often been affected and/or set aside by various court decisions. The result of these factors is a home rule charter that can't be taken totally at face value. Unfortunately, this can lead to problems in the day-to-day operation of the city and to public misunderstandings, disputes, and even lawsuits. THE PROCESS OF AMENDMENT All amendments to a home rule charter ultimately require approval of the electorate. The City Council may, of course, submit proposed amendments on its own initiative and motion. However, if the need for amendment seems extensive or if sensitive issues are to be considered, it is common for the Council to appoint a charter review commission (sometimes referred to as a board or committee) composed of local citizens to assist in the process. Such a body may meet for as short or as long a time as may be allowed by the Council, and the commission is