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Lewisville holds public hearing on proposal to move council to staggered four‑year terms
Summary
Town of Lewisville held a public hearing on placing a charter amendment on the ballot to change council and mayoral terms from two years to staggered two- and four-year terms; no council vote was taken and an ordinance will return to council in February.
The Town of Lewisville held a public hearing to receive public comment on a proposed amendment to the municipal charter that would create staggered terms for council members and the mayor.
Under the proposal outlined by town staff, staggered terms would take effect at the municipal election in 2027 if voters approve the referendum. The three council candidates receiving the highest vote totals would take four‑year terms; the three receiving the lowest vote totals would take two‑year terms. The mayoral seat would be elected to a two‑year term. If voters reject the referendum, all council seats and the mayor would remain on two‑year terms.
Town Manager Dora (last name not specified) explained the timeline and mechanics of the proposal, and said an ordinance to amend the charter will return to the council at its February regular meeting for possible introduction. No ordinance was voted on during the January hearing.
During the public hearing, resident Fred Franklin of 1420 Conrad urged the council to think carefully before changing the charter. “One of the most important decisions that will be made in the history of our town is changing our charter and the way Louisville elects its leaders,” Franklin said. He questioned whether staggered four‑year terms would ensure continuity, noted recent state legislative changes affecting municipal elections, and recommended the council retain the current two‑year structure.
Another resident present told the council they supported the change; that person asked to remain identified only by address during remarks.
Mayor Ivan Huffman and council members asked clarifying questions about the February process and confirmed that the public hearing held that evening was part of the required charter‑amendment procedure that would lead to a voter referendum if council later approves an ordinance.
The council did not vote on the ordinance or place the amendment on the ballot that night. Staff said the ordinance and related materials will be on the council’s February agenda for possible action and that, if approved by council and voters, implementation would begin with the 2027 municipal election.
The public hearing record will be available with the February agenda packet. Residents who wish to provide written comments were reminded they can submit them to the town clerk for inclusion in the public record.
