| Authorize the use and acceptance of electronic, digital, or facsimile signatures for city transactions, relating to business, commercial, or governmental affairs, in accordance with the city’s policies. |
Except for Resolutions, Ordinances, Minutes and some contracts, which will still require wet signatures, E-signatures offer convenience, efficiency, and environmental benefits such as reducing paper in circulation. They are also helpful in conducting City business in emergencies. Currently, staff members and contractors use e-signatures through Docu-Sign and PDF Signature, but the City has not legally recognized that as a way to transact business.
The addition to the Texas City Code of Ordinance will read as follows:
Signatures and seals: electronic, digital, and facsimile.
(a) Signatures.
(1) Authorization.
The City Commission authorizes the use and acceptance of electronic, digital, or facsimile signatures for city transactions, relating to business, commercial, or governmental affairs, in accordance with the city’s policy, and state, federal, or other law, as may be amended.
(b) Seals.
(1) Notary public seal of office and other professional seals.
The City Commission authorizes the use and acceptance of an electronic, digital, or facsimile notary public seal of office (“notary seal”), and other professional seals for city electronic transactions, relating to business, commercial, or governmental affairs, in accordance with the city’s rules and state law, as may be amended.
(2) City corporate seal.
The City Commission authorizes the use of an electronic, digital, or facsimile corporate seal (“city seal”) by the city secretary or his/her designee for electronic transactions, relating to business, commercial, or governmental affairs, in accordance with the city charter, the city’s policies, and state law, as may be amended. |
| Staff recommends the use and acceptance of electronic, digital, or facsimile signatures for city transactions, relating to business, commercial, or governmental affairs, in accordance with the city’s policies. |
