Commission discusses possible charter changes: move elections to November and extend mayoral term

Oxford commissioners discussed potential charter amendments on Feb. 5, including shifting municipal elections from May to November and lengthening the mayor’s term from two to four years.

Staff told the commission the charter currently specifies May elections and noted that changing that language would require amending the charter. Staff also explained the process for charter amendments: the commission would adopt a resolution to consider an ordinance, hold a public hearing, wait about 60 days, and then either adopt an ordinance or put the change to referendum. If the ordinance route is chosen, the public would have 30 days to petition for a referendum; certain changes such as extending the mayor’s term may require action by the General Assembly.

Several commissioners said a four-year mayoral term would give a newly elected mayor more time to learn the job before seeking re-election. "My preference would be a 4 year term for the mayor," one commissioner said, noting the challenge of learning the office and immediately running a campaign. Other commissioners urged additional research and public input; one pointed out neighboring municipalities are already moving to four-year mayoral terms.

Commissioners also raised the need to clarify how mayor pro tem and committee assignments would work if term lengths change. No final action was taken; staff were asked to bring the matter back for further discussion and research.