Miami Springs attorney outlines Nov. ballot question to move elections, lengthen and stagger terms

K. Sarah, the Miami Springs city attorney, told residents the city placed a charter amendment on the Nov. 5 ballot that would change three elements of municipal elections: move them from April to November of even-numbered years, lengthen mayor and council terms from two years to four and stagger council seats so not all five are elected at once.

“The proposed Charter Amendment provides for a transition to four-year staggered terms for mayor and council with elections to be held in November of even-numbered years,” K. Sarah said while reading the ballot language. She pointed viewers to Resolution 2024-4206, which calls the special election and includes the full amendment text as an attachment available from the city clerk.

City officials said the change is meant to increase voter turnout and reduce costs. K. Sarah cited municipal election costs of about $40,000 for standalone April elections and estimated that joining the countywide November election would reduce the city’s share to roughly $10,000–$15,000, producing an estimated savings of about $30,000 over four years.

The amendment would not retroactively extend current officeholders’ terms, K. Sarah said. If adopted and implemented starting with the next regular cycle, all five seats would appear on the April 2025 ballot to create the staggered schedule: the mayor and seat one would be elected to terms running until November 2028 (slightly under four years) while seats two, three and four would serve until November 2026 (slightly under two years) to establish alternating November cycles going forward.

K. Sarah reminded voters that county mailed sample ballots do not always include municipal questions and advised residents to consult the city’s special election page or the supervisor of elections’ website for a custom sample ballot that shows municipal items. “If you’re relying on that [county sample] pamphlet, reach out to your municipal clerk to get a copy of what your municipal ballot may look like,” she said.

During public comment, an attendee who identified herself as Tammy asked that the meeting record include the charter language for viewers who watch the recording later; the attorney and staff demonstrated the city website link and said the full charter text and ballot language will be posted so residents can review it.

The charter measure — listed on the city website and to be decided by the electorate — will appear near the end of Miami Springs’ municipal ballot if adopted. Early voting is under way and residents may cast ballots in person or on Nov. 5; the city clerk’s office can provide copies of the resolution and the exact amendment language.