Sauer/Photo by Campaign

Amarillo City Councilman Place 3 Eddy Sauer announced earlier today he will not be seeking a fourth term in office in May.

Sauer’s announcement comes on the heels of Mayor Ginger Nelson (who has long been one of his closest political allies) making a similar decision. It also comes just over a week after the 320th Judicial Court released documents describing plans by the city “to avoid an election on an increase of ad valorem taxes” and “issue tax anticipation notes with the intent to do so with as little notice and discussion as possible.”

Among Sauer’s biggest controversies while in office was his appointment by the council to serve on the Animal Management & Welfare Advisory Board. Many criticized the move, considering that other applicants, such as William Kearns, were actively involved in animal rescue.

Sauer was also criticized for a campaign mailer he sent in 2021 in which he claimed to have a low-tax record. Critics pointed out that Sauer had regularly voted to raise Amarillo’s property tax rate. Sauer had also supported the 2020 Proposition A, which would have increased the municipal property tax rate by 39%.

As of writing, no other members of the council besides Sauer and Nelson have announced plans regarding reelection.

Filing for the May 6th election begins in January.