Jackson council directs attorney to draft charter amendment to make treasurer appointed

The Jackson City Council on Aug. 19 authorized the city attorney to prepare a resolution proposing a charter amendment that would change the city treasurer from an elected post to one appointed by council, with any change to take effect Dec. 1, 2028.

City staff told council the amendment would follow a multi-step process: the council would adopt a resolution to submit the amendment, it would require a supermajority vote of the council to move forward, the city attorney’s office and clerk would work with the attorney general’s office on ballot language, and the governor must sign off before the measure appears on a county-run ballot. Staff said an appointee named under the existing charter would still have to run for election under current timelines and that the change would not take effect until Dec. 1, 2028.

Council members framed the proposal as a judgment call about whether the technical nature of the treasurer’s duties is best served by a professional appointment or by retaining the office as an elected position. One council member said appointment could help attract a professional with specific financial skills; another said the choice belongs to voters. Staff emphasized the legal and administrative steps required to place a charter amendment before voters.

The council did not take a final vote on the amendment itself on Aug. 19; instead it directed the city attorney to draft the necessary resolution and ballot language and signaled that the measure would return to council for formal adoption if members wish to proceed.