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 fuller administrative oversight, more professional day‑to‑day management and additional checks and balances (councilmembers Fripp, McKendrick and Page voiced support). Points raised by speakers and councilmembers included concerns about transparency, recent personnel and procurement disputes, the town27s growth and the need for a professional administrator/manager to oversee expanding operations.

The ordinance and timing: Councilmember McKendrick moved to approve the ordinance placing the referendum on the ballot and asked that the change, if approved by voters, take effect on the regular council meeting swearing‑in day in November 2025 (the ordinance records a council swearing‑in date after the November election); Councilmember Brock seconded the motion. The council then voted to adopt the ordinance as amended. The town27s election administrator will set the special‑election date within statutory timelines; the election commission advised a special Tuesday election would be required within the 30–90 day window permitted by state procedures following the 30‑day pause after the ordinance.

Why it matters: Changing form of government alters town operations, hiring authorities and how day‑to‑day administration is carried out: under a council–manager/administrator model the council collectively hires a manager/administrator who runs day‑to‑day operations; under a strong‑mayor model the mayor retains chief executive authority. Supporters argued a manager model would provide professional administration and better checks and balances as the town grows; opponents said it would lessen direct accountability of an elected chief executive and could reduce residents’ access to decision‑makers.

Vote: The ordinance to place the referendum on the ballot passed on a 4–1 roll call (Councilwoman Page, Councilman Brock, Councilwoman Fritz, Councilman McKendrick voted yes; Mayor Griffin voted no). Council directed staff to coordinate scheduling and to confirm required election costs and timelines with the county election officials.

Ending: If the referendum crosses the required majority in the special election, the change would take effect on the council swearing‑in date following the November 2025 general election; staff will publish election timing and voting logistics and the office of the town attorney will confirm statutory compliance. Councilmembers stressed the importance of public information and outreach between now and the special election.