Jackson council schedules treasurer interviews, asks attorney to prepare charter amendment to make post appointed

The Jackson City Council on Aug. 19 set interviews for the vacant city treasurer position for 6 p.m. Aug. 26 and voted unanimously to direct the city attorney to prepare a resolution proposing a charter amendment to change the treasurer from an elected office to one appointed by council, to take effect on Dec. 1, 2028.

The move follows a vacancy in the treasurer’s office and a recommendation from the Charter Review Commission. City Attorney Matt (city attorney) told council the amendment would require a council resolution (a supermajority to move the ballot measure), review with the attorney general’s office, and ultimate placement on a statewide ballot consistent with statutory timelines. He said an appointee would serve until the next election cycle and that, under the current charter, an interim appointment can be made for up to 60 days while the position remains elected through the next scheduled election.

Supporters on council said technical complexity of the treasurer’s duties makes appointment a reasonable option and that the approach would allow the city to recruit a professional with fiscal experience. Opponents and several members of the public said the treasurer should remain an elected office. Nicholas Thurston, a Ward 5 resident, said the treasurer should be decided by voters and raised concerns about how contracts and hiring have been handled. John King, a city resident, also urged keeping the treasurer elected and expressed distrust of council appointments.

City Manager Green and the city attorney explained how the interim appointment and election timing would work under the charter: an interim appointee serves under a 60‑day window and would still have to run in the next election cycle (the 2026 primary/general schedule) if they wish to continue in office; if voters approve an amendment, any appointed/ elected term would continue until Dec. 1, 2028, when the new appointment structure would take effect.

Council took the actions during the meeting’s new‑business block after the consent calendar passed. The items passed by unanimous vote.

Looking ahead, the attorney said his office will prepare ballot language and the resolution for council consideration; if council authorizes the resolution, the city will work with the attorney general’s office and the governor’s office per statutory process before the measure appears to voters. The precise ballot schedule and any fiscal analysis will appear with the resolution when it returns to council.