Tequesta managers propose legislative priorities package; council signals support for clerks' public-records exemption

Village Manager Jeremy presented a draft package of legislative priorities at the Feb. 3 workshop that would allow staff to track and, when appropriate, support or oppose state legislation consistent with the Village of Tequesta's interests.

Jeremy said the draft mirrors positions adopted by the Florida League of Cities and the Palm Beach County League of Cities and includes a new request from the municipal clerks' association for a public-records exemption to protect clerks' personal information. "The clerk's association is asking municipalities to adopt a stance on additional protections for clerks so they don't have to list their home address when records contain sensitive information," Jeremy told council members.

Council members present signaled support for adding the clerks' exemption to the village's legislative priorities and asked staff to insert language and return the revised resolution for formal adoption at a future council meeting. Jeremy said the added language would allow staff to "fast track and be able to respond to bills" that align with council priorities rather than calling special meetings each time a time-sensitive bill appears.

Jeremy and other staff discussed how the village uses the League of Cities and county league positions as a baseline and will add local items where appropriate. Council members also raised the possibility of coordinating instructions to the village's Tallahassee lobbyist in session; staff said the mayor and manager could coordinate direction informally but that the resolution would make the village's stance clearer when a bill appears.

No formal vote was taken on the resolution at the workshop; staff said a revised resolution would be prepared for the next council meeting so the council could consider formal adoption.