Council approves referendum on changing Blythewood27s form of government; ordinance sets effective date after November 2025 swearing‑in

The Blythewood Town Council voted 4–1 to place a referendum on the ballot to ask voters whether the town should change from its current strong‑mayor form of government to a council–manager (or council‑administrator) form. The ordinance approved tonight (Ordinance 2025.002) sets the effective date for the change to occur following the November 2025 swearing‑in date for newly elected officials if voters approve the referendum.

Public comment: Dozens of residents spoke during the public‑hearing period. Speakers were split: some residents and speakers urged retaining the strong‑mayor structure on grounds of direct accountability and executive decision‑making (for example, former mayor Keith Bailey and others); other residents and several councilmembers recommended changing to a council–manager form to create…