Palmetto Considers Changes to Charter, Vote May Go on Ballot

PALMETTO -- Palmetto city commissioners are hoping to change some provisions in the city charter, and will be discussing the changes in a public hearing on July 19.

If the commissioners approve the proposed provisions (PDF, 1299 KB), the changes would be posed to voters in a ballot in the general elections on November 2.

Those provisions include clarifying residence requirements for Palmetto residents running for local office, mayoral authority, and veto power, according to city records. Another provision also requires city employees to take an unpaid leave if they want to run for office.

City Attorney Mark Barnebey said the charter is up for review because it has to do so every five years.

Prior to the vote, commissioners also discussed the votes needed to approve reappointments of city department heads. All decided that a supermajority vote is needed. If there are absences during the vote, then a simple majority vote would suffice.

On a roll-call vote, four commissioners approved holding a public hearing on these changes. Commissioner Mary Lancaster was absent.