Douglas Mayor and Council adopt special election results, ratifying seven charter amendments

The City of Douglas Mayor and Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 26-1735 on May 26, formally declaring and adopting the results of the May 19, 2026 special election on proposed charter amendments.

City Clerk Alma Andrade presented the election background and results at the noon special meeting. Andrade said Arizona Revised Statutes Section 19-143 requires that proposed charter amendments be submitted to voters and noted the Council’s prior adoption of Resolution No. 25-1700 on Dec. 10, 2025, which placed the amendments on the ballot. She described the city’s outreach, including a publicity pamphlet distributed to every household, two public educational sessions assisted by Abe Villareal of Cochise College (April 14 at Cochise College and April 16 at the Douglas Fire Department), and postings on the city’s social media channels and official website.

Andrade reported seven propositions carried. The measures approved would: require proof of residency for council persons (Proposition 468); permit appointed council members to serve the remainder of their appointed terms (Proposition 471); require citizen petitions to be considered by the Council no later than two regular meetings after submission (Proposition 472); place certain positions within the City Manager’s appointment and removal authority (Proposition 473); define the qualifications, powers, duties and compensation of the City Clerk (Proposition 474); shorten the notice period for ordinances and resolutions to 24 hours (Proposition 476); and extend the canvass period for election results from seven to 20 days (Proposition 482).

Council Member Jose Montaño asked that the record also reflect the measures that failed so the public would have a complete account. In response, Andrade enumerated eight defeated propositions: increasing the Mayor’s stipend from $300 to $1,000 (Proposition 469); increasing council stipends from $200 to $500 (Proposition 470); removing the merit system board (Proposition 475); eliminating the requirement of full readings of ordinances during council meetings (Proposition 477); authorizing designated city officers to sign contracts on behalf of the city (Proposition 478); raising the City Manager’s disposal threshold for personal property from $500 to $5,000 (Proposition 479); raising the auction/publishing threshold from $500 to $5,000 (Proposition 480); and allowing family members of city employees and elected or appointed officials to acquire city property at auction (Proposition 481).

Council Member Ray Shelton moved to approve Resolution No. 26-1735; Council Member Jose Montaño seconded. The motion passed by roll call vote, 4-0 in favor. Voting in favor were Mayor Jose Grijalva and Council Members Jose Montaño, Gustavo Durazo Jr., and Ray Shelton. No votes against were recorded. Three council members were listed as excused.

City Clerk Andrade stated that no public participation forms had been submitted for the meeting, so no public comments were entered into the record. The Council adjourned at 12:07 p.m.

The resolution adopts the certified special election results under state law; the minutes do not specify effective dates for any individual charter amendments or next administrative steps for implementation.