Proposal to codify rotation-by-district for mayoral posts fails to advance

Commissioners discussed an ordinance proposal to implement the charter's two-year rotation for mayor, vice mayor and clerk positions by commission district. The proposal—sponsored by Clerk Commissioner Hodgkins—would have codified a district-based rotation and included eligibility restrictions such as requiring a commissioner to have served a full term before being eligible to serve as mayor.

Supporters said a codified rotation would reduce ad hoc voting and provide predictability about who would hold leadership roles; opponents said it would bind future commissions, limit individual commissioners' discretion to choose leadership, and could result in inexperienced members serving as mayor if the rotation schedule landed on a newly elected commissioner. Town Attorney Trevor Horwitz explained that the charter requires the commission to make leadership selections every two years and that a range of models exist in other Florida municipalities but significant charter differences affect what is permissible without a voter referendum.

On a roll call vote to direct the town attorney to draft an implementing ordinance, Mayor Jacobs, Vice Mayor Kashem, Commissioner Mohammed and Acting Clerk Commissioner Morrissette voted No; Clerk Commissioner Hodgkins voted Yes. The motion failed.

Why it matters: The debate touches on local governance structure and whether the commission wants to insulate leadership choices from short-term political dynamics. Commissioners suggested the subject remains open for future workshops and that voter input could be sought if charter amendments are contemplated.