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Belgrade council places mayor's four-year-term charter amendment on November ballot
Summary
Council voted unanimously to place a charter amendment on the November ballot that, if approved by voters, would change the mayor's term from two to four years; city staff said the city can provide educational material but not advocacy.
The Belgrade City Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2025-14 to place a charter amendment on the November ballot asking voters whether the mayor's term should change from two years to four years.
A council member introduced the proposal saying a four-year term would provide continuity and support ongoing projects. Council and staff discussed the distinction between permissible public education (the city may provide factual information about the measure) and prohibited advocacy; City Manager Neil Cardwell said the city can educate voters about the ballot question but council members who are individuals may campaign for or against the measure provided they identify themselves as speaking personally.
Staff noted that if voters approve the measure, the timing of any change would affect the next relevant election cycle. Council members also discussed potential small cost savings from fewer elections if fewer offices are on the ballot in some cycles; no precise dollar figure was adopted at the meeting.
The council moved and seconded a resolution to place the charter amendment on the November ballot and the motion passed unanimously.
