Title
Resolution Calling for a Special Election for a Referendum to Allow the Voters of Greensboro to Decide Whether to Change the Terms of Office of City Council Members and the Mayor from Two Years to Four Years
Body
Department: Executive
Council District: All
Public Hearing: Yes
Advertising Date/By: N/A
Contact 1 and Phone: Tom Carruthers, City Attorney, 373-2320
Contact 2 and Phone: Jennifer Schneier, Assistant City Attorney, 373-2320
PURPOSE:
On February 19, 2015, City Council adopted a Resolution of Intent to amend the City Charter to retain the current form of government and to change the term of office from two to four years and to submit this plan to a binding referendum. If the Council adopts an ordinance to amend the City Charter, the Council may also decide to make the ordinance effective only upon approval by the voters at a referendum held at a special election.
BACKGROUND:
In 1983 the City of Greensboro adopted a City Council election system of one Council member elected from each of its five districts, three Council members elected at-large, and one Mayor elected at large. The system adopted in 1983 is commonly referred to as the 5-3-1 system. The City of Greensboro supports its current system because it ensures fair and equitable representation of all residents of the City. The referendum will not alter this 5-3-1 system.
Because State election laws will only allow a special election at the time of the general election on odd numbered years, the special election would be on November 3, 2015, and Council's proposed change, if approved by the voters, will not become effective until the 2017 election. If the General Assembly moves the general election to October 6, 2015, then the referendum will be heard on October 6, 2015.
BUDGET IMPACT:
There will be no additional costs to add the referendum to the ballot.
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
It is recommended that City Council adopt a resolution calli...
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