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2. Ensure an Open Government
1.1 – Actively involve and engage stakeholders
1.4 – Communicate thoroughly and strategically

When we think of government transparency, we most often think about
finances. While important, local governments go beyond the numbers of
revenue and spending to report on other public concerns such as
environmental issues, Fire/EMS/Police, community culture, and human
services.

The CSO is a service oriented department entrusted to serve as stewards
of open and transparent City government through the Local Government
Code, Texas Open Meetings Act, Public Information Act, City Charter, and
adherence to the laws that govern; and to build public trust and confidence
in local government through the establishment of open and transparent
processes and procedures, and accurate information management.

The Texas Open Meetings Act applies to nearly every governmental body
in Texas, yet there has not been a consistent way for public officials to
receive training on how to comply with these laws. This is significant,
because a failure to comply with the Open Meetings Act may result in civil
and criminal penalties for public officials, and can also lead to a general
breakdown of confidence in our governing bodies.
The Office of the Attorney General has found when open government laws
are violated by a governmental body, it is the result of public officials
simply not knowing what the law requires. Inconsistent and inaccurate
legal advice regarding these laws has sometimes added to the confusion.

Attorney General Greg Abbott called on the 79th Texas Legislature to enact
legislation to require public officials to obtain open government training in
an effort to promote openness and increase compliance with our "Sunshine laws." The Legislature
responded by passing Senate Bill 286, which requires public officials to receive training in the
requirements of the Open Meetings Act beginning January 1, 2006.

The CSO consistently manages board, commission, and committee member’s compliance with the
Texas Open Meetings Act by requiring the online training be taken, and maintaining a record of the
certificate of completion for each member.
3. Enhance Governmental Transparency

1.3 – Assure convenient access to public information
1.4 – Communicate thoroughly and strategically

The CSO maintains custody, control, filing, and storage of all legislation, books, documents, minutes,
and other written and recorded materials pertaining to the operation of the City government. These
City documents are made available through the City’s website in an understandable manner for the
public.
The Office is responsible for compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act and the Public Information
Act. As such, the office oversees the posting of every public meeting of the City Council and
appointed boards, commissions, and committees. In addition to agendas, packets are made available
to the public immediately through a web portal. Minutes are also available immediately upon receipt
from the board, commission, or committee.
The City’s proactive approach to enhance governmental excellence and transparency is a
collaboration of all City departments. As such, all meeting agenda packets are created and sent

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