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Committee splits on charter ballot measures to limit mayoral removal power; one measure advances with amendment
Summary
Two council-sponsored charter amendment proposals on mayoral appointment and removal powers were debated July 28; one failed in committee and another passed after an amendment that raised the required council votes for suspension/removal.
The City of Santa Fe's finance committee debated two council-sponsored charter amendment proposals July 28 that would change how the mayor and city council share authority over hiring and firing top city officials. Resolution W: requiring governing-body consent for mayoral removal — failed. The first resolution (item W) proposed amending the charter to require the governing body's consent before a mayor could remove the city manager, city attorney or city clerk except during the first 100 days of a mayor's term. The motion to place that question on the Nov. 4, 2025 ballot failed in committee (roll call: Cassatt no; Lindell no; Faulkner yes; Lee Garcia yes; Chair Romero Worth no). Councilors who opposed said they prefer sending such structural changes to a charter-review commission for more study; supporters said voters deserve a chance to weigh in now. Resolution X: council removal/suspension authority — passed as amended. The second resolution (item X) would allow a specified number of councilors to suspend or remove the city manager, city attorney and city clerk at a regularly scheduled meeting. Councilor Cassatt moved an amendment to raise the required number of councilor votes from five to six; the amendment passed. The committee then approved the amended resolution, forwarding a version that would require six councilor votes to suspend or remove those top appointees. Why the changes were proposed: Sponsors said the measures are intended to provide additional checks and balances on mayoral authority over senior staff and to give the council a stronger role where a mayor will not act on concerns about an appointed manager or attorney. Opponents urged a more deliberate charter-review process and warned that easier removal could deter qualified professionals from accepting city appointments. What happens next: Committee approval sends the amended resolution to the governing body and, if adopted by the governing body, the amendment(s) would be placed on the Nov. 4, 2025 municipal ballot for voter approval. The committee record shows split support and further debate is expected at the full governing-body meeting.
