Title
Ordinance to Amend the City Charter to Change the Terms of Office of City Council Members and the Mayor from Two 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 terms of office from two to four years and to submit this plan to a binding referendum. The City Council held a public hearing on March 3, 2015, at which citizens spoke in favor of the Council proposal. The City Council may adopt an ordinance amending the City Charter. If so, Council must also adopt a resolution calling for a special election. This special election shall occur at the next general 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 recomm...
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