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Battle Creek commission unanimously approves placing four‑year terms charter amendment on ballot
Summary
The commission voted 8–0 to approve Resolution 273, placing a proposed charter amendment before voters to change elected officials' terms from two to four years; commissioners debated removal processes, ballot timing and board oversight before the roll call.
The Battle Creek City Commission voted unanimously Nov. 18 to place a proposed charter amendment on the ballot that would change terms of office for city elected officials from two years to four.
Clerk read the resolution summary: "If approved, this resolution would allow for the submission to the electorate the proposed amendments to the city of Battle Creek charter to set terms of office for all elected officials of the city of Battle Creek to four years and have those terms begin at an organizational meeting of the city commission to be held the first Tuesday in December after the election."
Commissioners debated practical and legal concerns before the vote. Commissioner Patrick O'Donnell asked about removal mechanisms if a commissioner were convicted of a felony or moved out of the city: "If a commissioner is convicted of a felony, what would have to take place?" staff and counsel replied there are existing statutory processes and that the commission could draft additional provisions for future consideration, but any change would not be on the immediate ballot.
Several commissioners voiced concerns about timing. One commissioner noted the commission shifted municipal elections to even-numbered years to boost turnout and warned that placing this item on a May ballot "we're going to get really low turnout"; staff confirmed the commission ultimately puts the measure to voters and can amend language at a later date.
After debate the commission moved, seconded and conducted a roll-call vote; all eight commissioners recorded "yes." The clerk recorded the result as approved 8–0.
By approving Resolution 273, the commission sent the proposed charter amendment to the electorate; if voters approve it, terms would change as described. The commission made no additional charter changes during the meeting and staff said they would bring draft language or options back for commissioner consideration if requested.
