City Benefits Issue Could End Up In Court

It’s a three act play that is unfolding on your dime.

The fallout from health benefits for gay and domestic partners of city employees continues.

Acts one and two saw them being awarded and taken away.

Now, taxpayers will foot the bill for another vote – that is unless opponents take the city to court.

Tuesday night, El Paso City Council said it would work to repeal a voter-approved proposition to strip those benefits.

On Wednesday, City Council was scheduled to ratify the election which would put the proposition into effect on Jan. 1.

Religious leaders who who wrote the initiative said repealing the proposition would be illegal and they’re ready to fight the move in court.

Under the city’s charter, there are two ways to introduce ordinances.

One is by the people and the other is by City Council.

Pastor Tom Brown, the man leading the fight against partner benefits, said under the city charter, an ordinance by the people – as this one was – cannot be brought forth again for two years.

City Rep Steve Ortega said Brown is right, but explained that council can bring forward new ordinances anytime it wants.

And since the city has never introduced an ordinance about benefits for domestic partners – when it does – the ordinance will be clear and legal.

As for the cost of another vote, county officials said it will be another $130,000 to $150,000.

Many people ABC-7 spoke with said they don’t want to spend that money because voters have already spoken.

The Texas Secretary of State’s office, which often advises the city on legal matters, explained this is a local issue and can not be superseded by the state.

Now it’s a matter of waiting to find out how the city charter will be interpreted.