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Council directs attorney to draft several charter amendments, leaves pay increase off ballot
Summary
At a Dec. 10 special meeting, Cape Coral City Council agreed to send multiple Charter Review Commission recommendations to the city attorney for legal drafting — including residency, candidate proof‑of‑residency and vacancy rules — but opted against putting a proposed mayor/council pay increase on the 2026 ballot.
The Cape Coral City Council on Dec. 10 instructed the city attorney to draft referendum and ordinance language for several charter changes recommended by the Charter Review Commission, but declined to advance a measure that would sharply raise elected officials’ pay.
Council members voted or polled to forward amendments clarifying candidate residency (Section 4.02), proof‑of‑residency requirements at qualifying (Section 4.05), and vacancy‑filling procedures and timing (Section 4.11). The city attorney cautioned the commission’s proposed wording would be edited to conform to legal requirements and the 75‑word ballot summary limit.
Why it matters: The referrals set the legal drafting process in motion and determine what voters may see on a future referendum. The residency and qualification changes would tighten documentation candidates must submit at qualifying and clarify when a council seat must be filled by appointment vs. special election.
Council member Donnell proposed moving items that had the support of a supermajority…
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