Utah Senate approves higher threshold for council to alter mayoral duties in SB20

The Utah Senate approved on third reading a substitute to Senate Bill 20 that tightens limits on city councils seeking to change statutory duties assigned to mayors.

Senator Howard Stevenson, explaining the substitute, said it would require that “if the statutory duties that are allowed to be changed by the council are changed, that they have to be done either with the consent of the mayor or if not with the consent of the mayor, then by unanimous vote of the council.” Supporters said the change eliminates the option of creating a city manager by ordinance without voter approval.

Proponents argued the substitute restores balance between mayors and councils and removes an administrative pathway that could alter a city’s form of government without direct voter input. Senator Walker and other sponsors said removing the manager-by-ordinance option was a central goal. “The prime goal was to get rid of city manager by ordinance, and we have done that in this bill,” one supporter said on the floor.

Opponents warned the new standard still allows a unanimously acting council to reassign mayoral powers and could concentrate authority in unelected staff. Senator Stoll said he remained concerned that a council could vote as a block to strip mayoral duties. Senator Mathis similarly cautioned that shifting powers to unelected staff could reduce direct accountability.

After extended debate the chamber voted to substitute and then read the third substitute for the third time. The roll-call for third reading recorded 21 ayes and 3 nays; the clerk announced the bill will proceed for enrollment and signature as prescribed.

The Senate’s action makes it harder for a council to alter mayoral duties without mayoral agreement or unanimous council consent; sponsors said the change intends to preserve the mayor’s core authorities while maintaining local legislative flexibility.