Rosenberg residents to vote on 51 amendments to ‘modernize’ city charter

For the most part, the changes are focused on modernizing the charter, and would not impact the city’s day-to-day functioning.

City of Rosenberg 
(City of Rosenberg)

Houston Public Media
NATALIE WEBER, FORT BEND COUNTY BUREAU
POSTED ON OCTOBER 19, 2023, 11:45 AM

Rosenberg residents will vote on two bond propositions and changes to the city charter this November.

The charter's 51 amendments focus on modernizing the document and getting rid of portions that have become redundant or obsolete.

"Really this is the first major top-to-bottom review of the city charter that's been done since it was originally adopted by the voters," said John Maresh, Rosenberg’s city manager.

For the most part, the changes are focused on modernizing the charter, and would not impact the city's day-to-day functioning.

Residents will also decide on two bond measures. The propositions will not increase the debt tax rate.

Proposition A would provide $18.5 million for an emergency services complex, which would include Fire Station No. 4, fire department offices for administration and an emergency operations center. The complex would be located at Fairgrounds Road and Highway 36 near the Rosenberg Civic Center.

The city currently leases spaces from the county for the fire station and fire department administrative offices. However, the county has notified the city that it will not be extending the lease when it expires at the end of 2029 because the county has other plans for the property.

The city was also using a room at the police station for its emergency operations center, but the agency had to convert it to a patrol officer room, and it no longer has space for the center, Maresh said.

Proposition B provides $33 million in funding for a public services complex that would include offices, as well as workshop and warehouse space for public works, utilities, parks and other departments. It would be located on Airport Avenue, next to the current parks department building. Maresh said some of the current facilities for these services are more than 50 years old and don't have room for expansion.

"The city will certainly have to look for alternatives if the bond propositions are not approved," Maresh said.

The city will host town hall meetings about the bond propositions at 6 p.m. on Oct. 19 and Oct. 26. The first meeting will take place at the Rosenberg Civic Center at 3825 Highway 36 South. The second meeting will be held at the Friends of North Rosenberg at 1908 Ave East.