Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Mayoral Term Change topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Pismo Beach council directs staff to prepare ballot measure on four-year mayoral term
Summary
The Pismo Beach City Council voted 3–2 on April 21 to direct staff to return with a ballot measure asking voters whether to change the mayoral term from two to four years; supporters said it would increase continuity, opponents warned it could reduce accountability.
The Pismo Beach City Council voted 3–2 on April 21 to direct staff to return with a ballot item proposing that voters consider changing the mayor’s term from two years to four.
Assistant City Manager Mr. Clark summarized the history and options for the measure, saying the change would require a simple majority and — if approved by voters — the earliest possible implementation would be the November 2028 general election. "The ballot measure would require a simple majority," Clark told the council, and staff noted any measure placed on the Nov. 2, 2026 ballot would require reimbursement to the county for additional election costs.
Former mayor Shelly Higginbotham urged the council to allow voters to decide and argued a longer term would reduce campaign-related disruption. “A 4 year term doesn't reduce accountability, it shifts it to a more substantial level,” Higginbotham said, adding a two-year cadence forces newly elected mayors into near-constant campaigning.
Council members who supported the direction said four-year terms can provide continuity for long-running projects and reduce the frequency of campaign fundraising. Opponents voiced concerns that longer terms could make it harder for voters to remove an ineffective mayor. One council member noted local history and warned of reduced oversight, saying, “Pismo has had a history of corruption,” and referenced past federal investigations; that allegation was offered as argument against extending terms and was not resolved at the meeting.
Council Member (speaker 7) moved to direct staff to return with a future agenda item proposing placement of the measure on the November ballot; the motion was seconded and passed 3–2. The meeting record shows Council Member Inman voted no; the motion carried by the council majority.
Next steps: staff will prepare a draft resolution and return with language and analyses for a future council meeting to decide whether to place the measure on the ballot.
