Celina Council Censure Vote Fails After 3-3 Split

Collin County News

April 15, 2025 Maverick Tax Guardians

On April 8, 2025, the Celina City Council faced a pivotal moment as a motion to censure Council Member Philip Ferguson ended in a tie vote, resulting in the motion’s failure. The vote concluded with three council members in favor, two abstentions, and Ferguson himself voting against the censure. Initially, Mayor Ryan Tubbs declared the censure approved and adjourned the meeting. However, upon review by the city’s legal counsel, it was clarified that, according to the city charter, abstentions are counted as “no” votes. This interpretation effectively led to a 3-3 tie, thereby nullifying the censure motion.

The censure was proposed as a formal expression of disapproval towards Ferguson’s conduct, though specific details of the allegations were not disclosed. The outcome underscores the complexities of municipal governance and the importance of understanding procedural rules.

This incident has sparked discussions within the community about council dynamics and the mechanisms in place to address internal disputes. As Celina continues to grow, such events highlight the need for clear communication and adherence to established protocols to maintain public trust.

sources
This news article is based on information from:
Community Impact -“Censure of Celina council member fails after tie vote”(April 15, 2025). Retrieved from:https://communityimpact.com/dallas-fort-worth/prosper-celina/government/2025/04/15/censure-of-celina-council-member-fails-after-tie-vote/