Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Charter Amendments topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Lynn Haven commission approves sending several charter amendments to August referendum, including separate city clerk
Summary
The commission voted to send multiple charter amendments to the August 18 referendum: establishing an independent city clerk (final reading approved 4–1), updating non‑ad valorem assessment notice requirements (first reading), and a residency change for the city manager (final reading approved unanimously).
At its May meeting the Lynn Haven City Commission agreed to place multiple charter questions on the August 18 referendum, advancing measures that will ask voters to: establish a stand‑alone office of city clerk, require specified public disclosures for future non‑ad valorem assessments, and modify the residency requirement for the city manager from city limits to Bay County.
On ordinance 1188 — creating a separate city clerk position — commissioners discussed the job’s intended separation of duties (administration/finance) from the city manager’s operational role. Commissioner Warick and others argued the structural change improves checks and balances; Commissioner Pero cast the lone no vote, citing concerns raised earlier in prior deliberations. The motion to submit the amendment for voter approval passed 4–1.
Commissioners also reviewed a first reading of proposed language that would require seven transparency elements before a new non‑ad valorem assessment may be established (staff and the charter review committee will refine whether the requirement belongs in the charter or an ordinance and whether grandfathering or caps should apply to existing assessments such as stormwater).
On residency, the charter review committee recommended changing the manager’s residency requirement to Bay County rather than strictly within Lynn Haven city limits. Commissioners voted unanimously to send that change to referendum.
What’s next: Staff will refine ballot language and the charter review committee will return with recommended wording for second readings and the August 18 referendum packet; monetary or procedural details that require further legal review were flagged for follow‑up.
