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Town attorney, clerk outline timeline and legal steps to get charter changes on November ballot
Summary
Staff told the commission that charter changes must be finalized early to meet the supervisor of elections’ deadlines for the November ballot; the commission was briefed on the legal differences between policy, resolution, ordinance and charter amendment processes.
Town staff explained the legal and calendar steps the Charter Review Commission must follow to place any charter amendments on a November ballot and why the commission was scheduled to complete work well before election-day deadlines.
Town Attorney Nancy Stuprich and Town Clerk Amy (last name not specified) told the commission that Section 13.03 of the town charter requires the commission to complete its work and present recommendations to the town council no later than 60 days before an election. Staff said the supervisor of elections provided a June 2026 deadline to get items on the November ballot, and the commission set an internal completion window (discussed as April 6, 2026) to allow time for council readings and election printing deadlines.
Amy explained that changes to town policy can be handled in successive levels of formality: a policy (single council meeting), a resolution (single meeting), an ordinance (typically two readings plus formal advertisement under Florida law), and the charter (requires a referendum). Stuprich said that while commissions can recommend charter changes, final decisions about placing amendments on the ballot rest with the town council and the supervisor of elections’ timing and procedural rules.
Commissioners were told the process typically requires commission recommendations, council review (including a minimum of two public hearings on proposed charter language), and then placement on the ballot by the supervisor of elections if deadlines are met. Stuprich said once the commission presents its recommendations and the council acts, the commission’s formal responsibilities generally conclude unless the council asks it to continue serving.
