§ 1.003. Rules of construction.

In the construction of this Code and of all ordinances and resolutions passed by the city council, the rules in this section shall be observed and shall apply, unless the construction would be inconsistent with the manifest intent of the city council. Words shall be construed in their common and usual significance and shall import the meaning given to them in ordinary English, unless the contrary is clearly indicated.

City officers, departments, etc. Wherever reference is made to an officer, department, board or commission, the reference is to be construed as if followed by the phrase "of the City of San Marcos, Texas." Any action, duty or responsibility to be performed by any city officer shall be construed to include the officer's designated representative or designee.

Computation of time. Whenever a notice is required to be given or an act to be done a certain length of time before any proceeding shall be had, the day on which the notice is given or the act is done shall be counted in computing the time, but the day on which the proceeding is to be had shall not be counted. If the last day of any period is a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, the period is extended to include the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday.

State Law reference— Similar provisions, V.T.C.A., Government Code § 311.014.

Gender. A word importing the masculine or neuter gender only shall extend and be applied to females and males and to firms, partnerships, associations and corporations.

State Law reference— Similar provisions, V.T.C.A., Government Code § 311.012(c).

Joint authority. Words purporting to give authority to three or more officers or other persons shall be construed as giving authority to a majority of the officers or other persons, unless it is otherwise declared.

State Law reference— Similar provisions, V.T.C.A., Government Code §§ 311.013, 312.004.

Number. Any word importing the singular number shall include the plural, and any word importing the plural number shall include the singular.

State Law reference— Similar provisions, V.T.C.A., Government Code §§ 311.012(b), 312.003(b).

Oath. The term "oath" includes an affirmation.

State Law reference— Similar provisions, V.T.C.A., Government Code §§ 311.005(1), 312.011(1).

Shall. The term "shall" is always mandatory and never permissive.

State Law reference— Similar provisions, V.T.C.A., Government Code §§ 311.005 et seq., 312.002 et seq.

Tense. Words used in the present tense include the future tense.

State Law reference— Similar provisions, V.T.C.A., Government Code §§ 311.012(a), 312.003(a).

(Code 1970, § 1-3)