FAQ

The Role of Your City Council

• The City Council acts as the legislative body for the city: it adopts ordinances, sets policy, and determines the overall direction of the city. 

• It approves the annual budget, spending, and tax rate. 

• It determines city services, programs, and how city resources are used. 

• Council members represent the community, listen to citizens, and help shape local government based on those needs. 

What the City Council Cannot Do

• The Council cannot act on items that are not on the posted agenda during a public meeting. In Texas, under the Texas Open Meetings Act, issues not listed cannot be debated or decided in that meeting.

• The Council does not handle day-to-day operations (that is typically done by city staff or a city manager/administrator) — Council’s focus is policy, oversight and direction. 

• Members do not act individually with full Council authority; most decisions must be taken by a majority vote at a properly noticed public meeting. 

How to Approach Your City Council Members

• You are welcome to contact your City Council members or attend Council meetings to share your thoughts and concerns.

• Before a meeting, check the agenda and, if you wish to speak, follow the city’s rules for being placed on the agenda (for example, contacting the City Secretary ahead of time).

• When reaching out, provide: your name, contact information, a clear description of your concern or suggestion, relevant facts or documents, and what you hope the Council will do.

• Be respectful, concise, and focused: Council members and staff appreciate well-organized input.

Public Comments During Council Meetings

• Most meetings include a “Public Comment” or “Citizen Input” segment — this is your opportunity to address the full Council.

• While you may speak on agenda items (or in some municipalities, on any topic), note that law requires that no debate or decision can be made on topics not listed on the agenda. So comments may be noted for future action.

• Be courteous: speak clearly, stick to your allotted time, avoid personal attacks, and focus on the issue — your view helps the Council understand your perspective.

• After comments are given and time allowed, the Chair or Mayor will typically move on with the scheduled agenda.

Why Your Participation Matters

• Your Council sets the tone for local government and makes decisions that directly affect your quality of life — from roads and utilities, to safety, to planning for growth.

• By engaging respectfully and constructively, you help make the process better for everyone.

• Knowing how the process works means you’re better prepared when you have a concern, suggestion, or want to support a community initiative.

Purpose of Public Council Meetings

Public Council meetings allow the community to observe how City business is conducted and give residents an opportunity to participate in local government. Meetings are conducted under the Texas Open Meetings Act, which ensures transparency, fairness, and proper procedure.

Your Role as a Resident

Residents are encouraged to attend meetings, stay informed, and participate in public comment opportunities. These meetings are open to the public, but they are not open forums for debate with Council members.

How City Council Meetings Work

• Meetings follow a posted agenda that lists all items the Council may discuss or act on.

• The Council can only vote on items specifically listed on the agenda.

• Meetings are led by the Mayor or Mayor Pro-Tem, who maintains order and ensures fairness.

• City business is handled one item at a time, with discussion, questions, and—if allowed—public input.

• Meetings are recorded in official minutes.

Public Comment: What You CAN Do

• To speak during the designated Public Comment section you must sign up on a sheet.

• Share questions, concerns, or opinions related to the city or its services.

• Provide written documents for the record, if desired.

• Be respectful, stay on topic, and stay within the time limit provided. The council will set a timer.

• Address the entire Council, not individual members.

Public Comment: What You CANNOT Do

• You cannot engage the Council in back-and-forth conversation.

• You cannot discuss items that are not on the posted agenda if you want the Council to take action.

• You cannot interrupt Council deliberations or speak outside the public comment period.

• You may not use vulgar, threatening, or disruptive language.

• You cannot direct personal attacks at Council members, staff, or residents.

Meeting Behavior Expectations

To ensure an orderly, respectful meeting, all attendees must:

• Remain quiet and respectful during discussions and votes.

• Silence cell phones and avoid disruptive behavior.

• Follow instructions from the Mayor or presiding officer.

• Avoid interrupting speakers, audience members, or Council.

• Refrain from carrying signs or materials that block views or disrupt proceedings.

Disruptive conduct may result in being asked to leave the meeting room.

Requesting Action on an Issue

If you want the City Council to take action, consider one of the following:

• Contact City Hall and request to be placed on a future meeting agenda.

• Submit your concern in writing to the City Secretary or a Council member.

• Provide clear details, supporting documents, and what action you are requesting.

The Council cannot legally act on an item that is not on the posted agenda.

Why These Rules Exist

These procedures ensure:

• Fair and equal opportunity for all residents to speak.

• A safe, respectful environment for Council members, staff, and the public.

• Compliance with state laws that govern city operations.

• Efficient handling of city business for the benefit of the entire community.

What Is the TPIA?

• The Texas Public Information Act (TPIA) gives the public the right to access government records.

• All government information is presumed public unless an exception applies.

How to Make a Proper Public Records Request ( DO THIS)

• Be *specific* about what records you want (dates, topics, formats).

• Submit your request *in writing* to the Public Information Officer (PIO).

• Use the phrase: “This is a request for public information under the Texas Public Information Act.”

• Include your contact information for replies.

• Request digital copies to avoid paper fees.

• Stay polite and professional.

• Save all emails and confirmations.

What NOT to Do ( AVOID)

• Do NOT ask questions — request *documents*, not explanations.

• Do NOT demand immediate access — agencies have 10 business days to respond.

• Do NOT ask for “everything” — overly broad requests slow things down.

• Do NOT include emotional statements or complaints.

• Do NOT request confidential or legally protected information.

Agency Responsibilities

• Must acknowledge your request within 10 business days.

• Must provide records or explain why they cannot.

• Must request a ruling from the Attorney General if withholding information.

• Must give a cost estimate if charges exceed $40.

Your Rights Under TPIA

• You have the right to prompt access to public records.

• You may request records in your preferred format if available.

• You must receive a cost estimate before charges are applied.

• You may file a complaint with the Texas Attorney General if an agency fails to comply.

Tips for Faster Results

• Narrow your request — smaller scope = faster response.

• Provide date ranges whenever possible.

• Ask for electronic copies to reduce fees.

• Always keep communication respectful and documented.

What Is the Municipal Court?

The Municipal Court of Kress is the local court responsible for handling Class C misdemeanors and city ordinance violations that occur within city limits.
It is the first level of the Texas court system and is designed to provide fair, timely, and unbiased justice for the community.

What the Municipal Court Handles

The court typically oversees:

• Class C misdemeanor criminal offenses

• Parking violations

• City ordinance violations

• Animal control and code compliance violations

• School-related offenses (when applicable)

• Failure-to-appear or failure-to-pay cases

The court does not handle felonies, Class A/B misdemeanors, family court matters, or civil lawsuits.

Role of the Municipal Judge – Judge Kelly Dunbar

Judge Kelly Dunbar serves as the Municipal Court Judge for the City of Kress.
The Judge’s responsibilities include:

• Presiding over hearings, arraignments, and trials

• Determining fines or alternative sentencing options allowed by law

• Ensuring proceedings follow Texas state law and the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure

• Protecting the constitutional rights of all individuals

• Remaining neutral, fair, and independent in each case

The Judge cannot:

• Give legal advice

• Discuss your case outside of court (no “ex parte” communication)

• Reduce or dismiss charges without proper legal basis

• Speak for the prosecutor or law enforcement

Your Rights as a Resident

Residents appearing in Municipal Court have the right to:

• Be informed of the charges against them

• Enter a plea (Not Guilty, Guilty, or No Contest)

• Request a trial before the Judge or a jury

• Present evidence and witnesses

• Retrieve court documents upon request

• Seek legal representation

• Ask for payment arrangements or alternative sentencing (if eligible)

Your Responsibilities

Residents must:

• Appear on their scheduled court date

• Follow courtroom rules

• Keep their address updated with the court

• Pay fines or complete court-ordered requirements on time

• Be respectful toward the Judge, Court Clerk, officers, and all attendees

Failure to appear may result in:

• Additional fines

• A warrant

• Loss of alternative payment options

What You CAN Do in Municipal Court

• Dress appropriately and behave respectfully

• Arrive early and check in with court staff

• Bring any documents, photos, or evidence

• Request clarification on procedures (not legal advice)

• Request a payment plan or community service, if eligible

• Ask for an interpreter if needed

• Address the Judge as “Your Honor”

What You CANNOT Do in Municipal Court

• Speak out of turn or interrupt court proceedings

• Approach the Judge without permission

• Use phones, recording devices, or cameras (unless permitted)

• Argue with court staff or other attendees

• Bring weapons or disruptive items

• Attempt to negotiate charges with the Judge outside official proceedings

• Ignore court summons or deadlines

Courtroom Behavior Expectations

To maintain order and respect for the judicial process:

• Remain seated and quiet unless called forward

• No food, drinks, or tobacco products

• Children must remain quiet and supervised

• Hats should be removed inside the courtroom and dress appropriately

• Follow all instructions from court staff and the Judge

Disruptive behavior may result in removal from the courtroom or contempt proceedings.

When and where are tax foreclosure sales held?

Tax sales may be held live in person or through an online platform. Bidders should refer to the county in which they intend to bid to familiarize themselves with that county’s procedures. Tax sales are conducted by the sheriff or a constable of the county where the property is located. The Texas Rules of Civil Procedure require sales be held on the first Tuesday of the month‚ between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at a place designated by the Commissioner’s Court. The notices posted in the tax sale area of this website give the approximate starting time of the sale.

Is there a minimum bid?

The minimum bid is the total of the taxes‚ penalties‚ interest‚ costs and fees in the delinquent tax judgment or the most recent tax appraised value of the property as determined in the judgment‚ whichever is less. The notices posted in the tax sale area of this website contain an estimated minimum bid if that information is available.

Who is eligible to bid?

The Commissioner’s Court for the county in which the sale is being held may require that‚ to be an eligible bidder‚ a person must be registered as a bidder with the county tax assessor–collector before the sale begins. Please check with the county tax assessor–collector for the interested county for any registration or other required conditions.

What proof is a bidder required to show that no delinquent taxes are owed?

Bidders must request a written statement from the county tax assessor-collector of no delinquent taxes due. Most tax assessor-collector offices provide a form with the required information.

What happens if a successful bidder owes delinquent taxes?

The officer conducting the sale cannot sign or deliver a deed to the successful bidder unless the bidder shows the officer a written statement from the county tax assessor-collector stating that the bidder has no delinquent taxes due.

What is an acceptable form of payment?

Please refer to the specific county in which you intend to bid for more information regarding acceptable forms of payment. Sales are for cash, and most counties will accept cash or cashier’s checks.

What kind of deed does the successful bidder receive?

Purchasers receive a sheriff or constable’s deed that is without warranty and subject to the owner’s statutory right of redemption.

Bidders should satisfy themselves concerning title and location of the property and improvements on the property including any encroachments prior to bidding. The properties are sold “AS IS” and are sold based on the legal description.

How long is the redemption period?

The redemption period is two years for homestead property‚ agriculture use property and mineral interests and 180 days on all other types of property.

When does the redemption period begin to run?

The redemption period begins to run when the sheriff or constable’s deed is filed for record with the county clerk.

When is the purchaser entitled to possession of the property?

The purchaser is entitled to immediate possession of the property. However, if the property is occupied‚ the purchaser will have the opportunity to lease it to the occupant or evict the occupant through legal proceedings.

What if the property owner files bankruptcy?

All sales are subject to possible prior bankruptcy filings that may have been filed just minutes prior to the sale. For example, if the tax sale is conducted at 10:00 a.m.‚ but the prior owner filed bankruptcy at 9:30 a.m. the same day‚ the tax sale will be set aside even though the tax assessor-collector’s office did not have actual knowledge of the bankruptcy.

What about taxes not included in the delinquent tax judgment?

Taxes becoming delinquent after the judgment are not included in the minimum bid and must be paid by the purchaser.

What if there are environmental problems on the property?

Purchasers at tax sales become responsible for any environmental hazards on the property.