Art L. Miner

Message from the Mayor:

Hello Watauga.

Goodbye February and yet another ice event. Kudos to the public works department for maintaining the roads and all our Police and Fire first responders for not missing a lick. March is looking pretty good weather-wise. And congratulations to our Finance Department for another "Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting."
This month I will cover what is arguably the most important position in city government—that of the City Secretary. As required by state law, our City Secretary is recommended by the Mayor and approved by the City Council. Originally called "clerk," it is one of the oldest positions in city government. Its origins date back to the early colonists but are also mentioned numerous times in the bible.
Over the years, it has grown in scope and is considered the "main hub" for almost all governmental business in the city. The duties and responsibilities of this position are many. Virtually everything that happens in city government (excluding the operational side of the city) goes thru this office. Since our incorporation in October 1958, Watauga has had 21 different City Secretaries with tenures ranging from 2 months to 26 years. Their employment is similar in nature to that of the City Manager and City Attorney in that they serve at the pleasure of the council. Section 7.02 of Article VII of the City Charter touches on but a few of the duties and responsibilities of this office.
Most citizens are familiar with the City Secretary through their involvement in administering city elections. As crucial as that task is, it is just one of many responsibilities that the office oversees. Some of the other duties and responsibilities are managing calendar events for the Mayor and council as well as associated travel arrangements, primary liaison between the citizens and the council, being the point of contact for citizens addressing issues with city services and departments, coordinating council agendas with all departments and staff, ensuring agendas are correctly posted and in compliance with the Texas Open Meeting Act (TOMA), attending all council meeting and drafting minutes, issuing alcohol and massage permits, maintaining the map of the city, coordinating board/committee appointments, recording liens, managing Public Information Requests, managing all liability and insurance claims against the city as well as city related insurance claims. The City Secretary is also the Records Management Officer for the city. The office is responsible for ensuring compliance with state and federal laws regarding record management, keeping the City Seal, and attesting to all legal and official documents. We'll stop there, BUT there is much more. It is not a job for the weak at heart.
The City Secretary's office is comprised of the City Secretary and an administrative assistant. Both are committed to serving the citizens of Watauga, its businesses, and visitors respectfully and professionally and continue to preserve the tradition, ethics, integrity, and standards developed by the pioneers of the position in the City of Watauga.

And let's not forget this month's important (to somebody) dates:

March 1st - National Peanut Butter Lover's Day
March 10th - National Hug Your Dog Day
March 18th - Awkward Moments Day
March 28th - Respect Your Cat Day
March 30th - National I am in Control Day
298 shopping days till Christmas
Family, Friends, and Neighbors, it's what makes Watauga "A Great Place to Live."