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Commission split over shrinking Miami Lakes council from seven to five; voters likely to decide
Summary
The commission reviewed two models for reducing council seats and heard arguments for keeping seven seats (representation, committee recruitment) and for offering voters a choice; the chair asked for redline ballot language for the next meeting.
The Charter Revision Commission revisited the long‑running proposal to reduce the town council from seven members to five.
Town Attorney described two implementation models: an attrition approach (allow current terms to expire and eliminate seats over time) and a transitional abolition model that reallocates terms (including at least one two‑year term to prevent a temporary even‑numbered council). Some commissioners said they do not support a reduction and urged the commission to keep seven seats to maintain broad representation and committee participation. "I disagree with reducing the council to five," one commissioner said, noting that the larger body helps recruit volunteers and provides more diverse backgrounds on the dais.
Chair asked commissioners to submit suggested redline language and told staff he would include at least one version of a draft question on the upcoming ballot so voters can decide; several commissioners emphasized they prefer giving residents the choice rather than making an administrative elimination alone.
What’s next: Attorney will prepare sample ballot language for both models and the clerk will include the text in the redline packet for the next meeting.
