Mission
"Dedicated to uphold the integrity of public service by providing professional assistance and direction in a fair and timely manner".

**Review the Abilene Code of Ordinances Online**

Goals/services provided:
The office of the City Secretary maintains its responsibilities to the citizens of Abilene directly and indirectly through service to the Mayor and Council and in the area of Records Management as outlined by State law and by City Charter; with primary duties being recording Council actions and preserving, maintaining, and providing access to public information. As we look to the future, the challenge of new technology will impact all areas of communication, requiring us to explore new methods and develop skills to effectively respond to the diversified needs.

Assisting our "customers" (the citizens of Abilene, City Council, entities throughout the State, and coworkers) is the City Secretary Division's primary goal by:

• Providing information maintained in our office as authorized by the City Charter and State Law (Public Information Act),
• Assisting with meeting agenda notices in compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, and
• Assuring proper filing of elected and appointed official Statements of Officer and Oaths as required by Secretary of State's Statutory Documents Section.

With 37Boards and Commissions, citizens have ample opportunity for public service as a board member as appointed by the Mayor with Council approval, after careful review of board information. Although a few boards have special requirements, the only prerequisites to serving on most boards are an adequate amount of time and a sincere desire to become involved in the Abilene community.

• Board/Commission Candidate Application forms
• Board membership rosters and composition pages
• Appointment process
• Citizens Serving Citizens brief description and board listing

Historically considered an Information source, The City Secretary's office strives to provide information requested, or refers the request to the appropriate source. The City Secretary's office:

• Maintains City Council Agendas, Minutes, Ordinances, Resolutions, Code, and Charter,
• Maintains over 2200 City files, and
• Administers the Records Management program

Although often the first point of contact for Licensing questions, the only permits and forms required, processed and/or available through our office are as follows:

• Non-Profit solicitation permits
• City Checklist and Procedure for Alcoholic Beverage Permit Application
• Request to Appear before the City Council
• Advertising/Handbills

As a public service, it the privilege of our office to help Educate our younger citizens (and potential Council members) by providing City Hall tours and briefings for various classes & organizations:

• Request a tour

The City Secretary's office knows the valuable resource found in Networking, linking either directly or indirectly with other entities, some of which are:

• Central Appraisal District; Abilene ISD; Wylie ISD; West Central Texas Municipal Water District; WTU; TXU; West Central Texas Council of Governments; Texas Municipal League; Secretary of State (Notary Public Section, Statutory Documents, Elections Division); News Media (KTXS, KTAB, KRBC, Abilene Reporter-News); Better Business Bureau; Chamber of Commerce; Convention & Visitors Bureau

The City Secretary's office, as the City's designated Administrator of Elections, coordinates as contracted with the Taylor County Elections Administrator for all City Elections. A calendar of election events for the annual general election will be posted on our site in February of each year; with Candidate Packets available just prior to the beginning of the filing period, which is in February. Qualifications for Mayor & Council candidates, Voter Registration Forms, and polling locations can be viewed at any time online. All special election calendar of events will be posted on our site when applicable.

• Election Calendar of events
• Sign Regulations