Civic Governance & Administration

The City of De Kalb operates under a Type A General Law municipality structure. We are committed to absolute financial transparency, civic engagement, and strict compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act (TOMA) and the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA).

Understanding Open Government in Texas

The City of De Kalb operates strictly under state transparency laws. As a citizen, you have fundamental rights regarding how your local government functions:

  • Texas Open Meetings Act (TOMA): All deliberations between a quorum (majority) of the City Council regarding public business must be conducted in an open session. Exceptions (Executive Sessions) are strictly limited to matters like pending litigation, real estate acquisitions, or specific personnel matters.
  • Texas Public Information Act (TPIA): You have the right to request access to government records. The city has 10 business days to either produce the records, request clarification, or seek a withholding ruling from the Texas Attorney General.
  • Public Comment: Every regular council meeting includes a dedicated “Public Comment” period where citizens may address the council for up to 3 minutes. Note: Under TOMA, the council cannot deliberate or vote on items brought up during this period unless they were explicitly posted on the agenda.

Open Records Request (TPIA) Router

Not all documents are held by the City of De Kalb. Submitting a request to the wrong government agency will result in a delay or denial. Select the type of record you are seeking to find the correct legal custodian and request method.

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