Committee approves sworn residency affidavits, directs city attorney to draft formal policy and challenge procedure

The Huntington City Council Rules and Ethics Committee voted on Sept. 17 to require every sitting council member to sign a sworn residency affidavit and directed the city attorney to draft a residency policy and an associated challenge procedure for referral to full council.

The change stems from recent public and council concern about repeated residency challenges and the absence of any residency rules in the council’s existing rules for the transaction of business. Committee members said a standardized affidavit and a written challenge process would reduce anonymous complaints and give clearer procedures for preliminary legal review and possible referral to council.

Committee Chair Sarah (Committee chair) opened discussion by noting the current rules do not address residency. Committee members reviewed a draft “residency policy” and an attestation/affidavit form circulated earlier by Holly Smith Mount. Council member Archer moved that every sitting council member sign a sworn affidavit attesting to residency; the motion was seconded by Council member Rumbaugh and was approved by voice vote.

Council and staff clarified several points the committee asked the city attorney to include…