Updated with response from Mayor Ishmael Harris
State Rep. Stan Gerdes says he will file legislation requiring city councils to meet within the cities they represent after the Bastrop City Council held a two-day workshop more than 100 miles away in Fredericksburg.
“The City of Bastrop is holding a City Council meeting hours away in Fredericksburg, making it nearly impossible for the people they represent to attend and participate,” Gerdes wrote.
Gerdes pointed to the substance of the council’s agenda, which included the city budget, setting the tax rate, capital projects, transportation planning, water and wastewater needs, data center policy, legislative priorities, and Flock camera technology.
The Bastrop City Council scheduled offsite workshops in Fredericksburg for Thursday and Friday.
Both agendas included a citizen comment period.
Those unable to attend could submit written comments online at least two hours before the meeting, though the comments would be provided to council members rather than read aloud.
“Public meetings should be accessible to the public,” Gerdes said. “Moving them out of town undermines transparency and meaningful citizen participation.”
“This is unacceptable,” he added.
Gerdes said he plans to respond by seeking a change in state law.
“I will be filing legislation to require that city council meetings be held in the city they represent so the public has a fair opportunity to attend, speak, and hold their elected officials accountable,” he said.
Bastrop Mayor Ishmael Harris defended the retreat, saying Fredericksburg was intentionally chosen because the city has faced similar challenges involving growth, tourism, and historic preservation.
In statement, Harris emphasized that no final action or votes were taken during the workshop and said the meetings were publicly posted, open to the public, and livestreamed.
He acknowledged that holding the retreat in Fredericksburg made in-person attendance “less convenient” for Bastrop residents.
“That’s a fair concern, and I won’t dismiss it,” Harris said, adding that physical access could be considered when planning future retreats.
