During a Tuesday morning meeting, the Brownwood City Council unanimously approved to authorize the expenditure of funds from reserves with a budget amendment at the end of the year, for the cost of Ward redistricting to The Knight Law Firm in the amount of $19,000.

On Dec. 28, a public hearing will be held and an ordinance will be considered on first reading making a selection of a Ward map. Three maps will be presented for review before the meeting. On Jan. 11 consider approval of the ordinance on second and third/final reading adopting the Ward map. This meets the deadline for the Election filing period that will begin Jan. 19 through Feb. 18, 2022.

The City received a letter stating that redistricting is necessary based on the 2020 Census numbers as there is an imbalance of more than the allowable 10% population between the smallest and largest Wards. On Nov. 23, the council approved two resolutions adopting the criteria for redistricting. The initial cost for hiring The Knight Law Firm was $3,000. Since redistricting is required, the cost will be $19,000 and will be charged to Council Services.