Campaign Finance Reporting

Contributions and Expenditures

Title 15 of the Texas Election Code pertains to campaign contributions and expenditures. Financial reports must be completed by the candidate or the candidate’s Campaign Treasurer (signed only by the candidate), and filed with the City Secretary. It is extremely important to adhere to the financial reporting procedures. Campaign reports are public information; and the media, candidates, and the general public may review the reports.

Campaign Filing Schedule for Candidates: 

• Due 30th day before Election
• Due 8th day before Election
• In case of Runoff Election – due 8th day before Runoff Election Date
• Final Report – May be filed at any time after the Election
  • If a final report is not filed, Semi-Annual Reports will be due each year on:
    • January 15
    • July 15

The following are campaign forms to be utilized during your campaign and required filing.  Existing Councilmembers should follow the semi-annual reporting listed above unless a final report has been filed with the City Secretary’s office. 

• Candidate/Officeholder Campaign Finance Report (Form C/OH) 
• Correction Affidavit for Candidate/Officeholder (Form COR-C/OH) 
• Amendment to Appointment of Campaign Treasurer by a Candidate (Form ACTA) 

Questions regarding reporting procedures, contributions or expenditures should be directed to the Texas Ethics Commission at 800.325.8506. The duties of the City Secretary are limited to accepting and filing the various applications and does not have the authority to review the reports for correctness or to advise on what information must be included.

Instructional Items for Campaign Practices and Funding: 

• Texas Ethics Commission – Code of Fair Campaign Practices
• Texas Ethics Commission – Campaign Finance Guide 
• Texas Ethics Commission – Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns
• Political Advertising 
• City Charter – City Council