TEXAS CITY – The Texas City Commission has restored open public comment during its meetings, allowing residents to address commissioners about topics that are not listed on the meeting agenda.

The change reverses a previous policy that limited public comments to agenda items only.

Mayor Abel Garza and the Texas City Commission approved the restoration of open public comment unanimously.

Commissioners Brian Goetschius and Chris Sharp supported bringing back the policy.

Under the restored policy, residents may speak directly to commissioners about issues affecting the community, even if those topics are not included on the meeting agenda.

However, state law limits what commissioners can do in response to non-agenda items. Under the Texas Open Meetings Act, elected officials cannot deliberate, take action, ask questions, provide explanations, or direct staff to act on issues that were not properly posted on an agenda before the meeting.

Commissioners may listen to residents’ concerns but cannot discuss or act on those matters during that meeting.

The change comes as Texas City continues discussions about public engagement and access to local government meetings.