Council approves higher campaign contribution limits in 3' 2 vote

The Newark City Council voted 3' 2 on May 28 to adopt an ordinance amending the municipal election campaigns code, increasing the individual contribution limit from $500 to $800 and eliminating a formerly imposed expenditure ceiling.

The change was explained by city staff as a package of updates to the city's campaign finance rules. City Manager Benoon summarized the measure and said the rewrite also removes the campaign expenditure ceiling and clarifies reporting obligations.

Council discussion centered on the contribution limit. Council Member Grindall said he supported the ordinance's legally required elements but opposed raising the cap. "I am opposed to this measure only because of the increase in the campaign contribution limits," Grindall said, adding he thought the increase was too large.

Other council members argued the ordinance modernizes the code and will not materially harm transparency. Mayor Michael Hannah said he did not want the council to be perceived as unfriendly to small business and described the change as part of broader code updates.

The measure passed on second reading by a 3' 2 vote. No further public testimony was taken at the second-reading vote. Staff said the ordinance will replace Chapter 2.11 of the Newark Municipal Code.

Because the vote was on a change to city ordinance, the decision becomes part of the municipal code after the required ministerial steps following second reading.

The council also approved routine consent items at the same meeting and moved on to hearings and budget items later in the agenda.