Application Process:
Citizens interested in serving on a board, commission, committee or separate legal entity can obtain an application from the City Secretary’s office at City Hall or download the application from the city website. The completed application along with the Affidavit of Residence can be submitted directly to the Mayor or returned to the City Secretary’s office.
 
Notice of Appointment: 
After the City Council appoints a person to serve as a member of a Board, Commission, Committee or separate legal entity, the City Secretary will notify the appointee in writing of the appointment.

Eligibility and Qualifications: 
The Groesbeck City Council seeks the best qualified person(s) to serve on Boards, Commissions and Committees. The qualifications required to serve on a particular Board, Commission or Committee are determined by Ordinance, or by State law which established the particular Board, Commission or Committee. Appointments to Boards, Commissions, Committees or separate legal entities that do have eligibility requirements must be made in accordance with the governing City Ordinance or State statue. Board, Commission or Committee members must continue to meet the eligibility requirements during the entire time they serve. If a member cannot continue to maintain the necessary requirements he shall resign his position.

Oath of Office:
Upon appointment, an oath of office is administered to all members of Boards, Commissions and Committees. The oath of office can be administered by the City Secretary or designee or a city-employed Notary Public for the State of Texas.


RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE MEMBERS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES

It is an honor to be selected as a City Board, Commission or Committee member and it provides an unusual opportunity for genuine public service. Although specific duties of each body vary widely, there are certain responsibilities that are common to all members. The following is a summary of those responsibilities: 

• Members should understand the role and scope of their responsibilities; be informed of the individual board, commission or committee’s purpose and of its operating procedures.
• Members should be careful to represent the majority views of their individual board, commission or committee. Individual “opinions” to the public and press should be identified as such.
• Members should represent the public interest and not special-interest groups.
• Good communication is essential. Members are in a position to serve as liaison between the City and its citizens and can help to reconcile opposing viewpoints and to build a consensus around common goals and objectives. Members serve as a communication link between the community, staff, and city, presenting recommendations and providing a channel for citizen expression.
• Members are encouraged to do their homework, and be thorough in recommendations – view situations under consideration prior to the meeting in order to be fully prepared to discuss, evaluate and act on all matters scheduled for consideration. Conclusion based on preparedness will strengthen the value of the group’s recommendations.
• Members are encouraged to establish a good working relationship within the group; respect individual viewpoints; allow other members time to present their views fully before making comments; be open and honest; welcome new members.
• Council appointment to boards, commissions or committees are made without regard to political party affiliation. Members are not restricted from participating in political activities; however, member shall not use or involve their memberships in the conduct of political activities.

LEGAL LIABILITY

Personal Liability.
Board, Commission or Committee members cannot be held personally liable for erroneous acts while honestly exercising the functions of their offices in good faith. The only time a member can be held personally liable is when they act outside the scope of their office and in bad faith. When members of City Boards, Commissions or Committees are acting in good faith and within the bounds allowed by the city, state and federal law, the City will provide a defense for such members to the greatest extent permissible. However, if a Board, Commission or Committee member acts fraudulently, maliciously, or in violation of a criminal law while serving his/her official capacity, the City generally will not provide that member a defense.

Board Liability. 
A City, its officers and members of Board, Commissions or Committees, as a governmental entity, must treat all individuals or groups in the same manner unless there is a compelling governmental interest to treat someone or some group differently. Therefore, the City Attorney should be consulted concerning whether or not an individual or group can be treated differently. If an officer or Board, Commission or Committee member illegally discriminates against an individual or group, that individual or group can seek damages from the City and the individual officer for a violation of rights under the state and federal civil rights statutes. The above discussion is by no means intended to be a comprehensive and complete discussion of legal liabilities to which the City or Board, Commission or Committee member may be subjected. Board, Commission or Committee members are strongly encouraged to consult with the City Attorney anytime they feel their actions while serving on such Board, Commission or Committee may have some legal consequences. The law in this area is quite complex and requires a thorough analysis of the law and facts pertaining to each particular situation.