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Monroe Council adopts time limits on mayoral appointments, a narrow smoking exception and the 2025 millage
Summary
Council adopted three ordinances: time limits for certain mayoral appointments (12,270), an amendment allowing cigar/hookah lounges under conditions (12,271), and adoption of the 2025 millage rates (12,272). Votes included two dissenting votes on the appointment limits and one dissent on the smoking amendment.
The Monroe City Council on Aug. 26 adopted three ordinances addressing mayoral appointment timelines, a limited exception to the city’s no-smoking rules, and the 2025 tax millage.
Ordinance No. 12,270 (time limits for certain mayoral appointments) passed on final adoption after debate about Council oversight. The measure was approved with two members—Mr. Harvey and Mrs. Ezernack—voting against the final adoption; the motion was made by Mr. Muhammad and seconded by Ms. Woods.
Ordinance No. 12,271 amended definitions and regulated locations in Sections 30.5-1 and 30.5-9 of the Monroe City Code to allow cigar and hookah lounges where at least 60% of sales come from cigar/hookah products, subject to employee protections and ventilation requirements. Mr. Creekbaum explained safeguards and Ms. Woods asked for a full explanation of the ordinance text during deliberations. Mrs. Ezernack opposed the final adoption, saying she feared precedent and enforcement difficulties.
Ordinance No. 12,272, adopting the actual and adjusted millage rates for 2025 (including amending the millage back to last year’s level of 10.18 mills as discussed), was approved unanimously.
Votes at a glance: - Ordinance No. 12,270 (mayoral appointment time limits): approved; yes 3, no 2 (Harvey, Ezernack). - Ordinance No. 12,271 (smoking ordinance amendment allowing cigar/hookah lounges with conditions): approved; yes 4, no 1 (Ezernack). - Ordinance No. 12,272 (2025 millage rates): approved unanimously; yes 5.
Why it matters: The ordinances change municipal governance oversight (appointments), create a specific business exception to local smoking rules, and set property tax rates that determine revenue levels for the city budget.
What’s next: Implementation and enforcement details for the smoking exception and follow-up administrative steps for appointment reviews and tax levy administration.
