Blythewood council votes to put referendum on ballot to change form of government after heated public hearing

The Blythewood Town Council voted to adopt Resolution 2024-002 on May 27, 2025, setting a referendum on whether to change the town form of government. The roll-call vote passed 4-1, with Mayor S. Griffin opposed.

The item drew a public hearing in which residents offered conflicting views. Dr. Hoffman Brown, a retired pastor and longtime resident, opposed the proposed switch to a council-manager system, saying his experience in Staunton, Virginia, showed citizens can feel disconnected from leadership under that model. Cindy Merritt accused council members of ignoring public input and described the proposed change as a "power grab." Kent Broome and former Mayor Keith Bailey defended keeping a strong mayor-executive system, while Gerarldo Crozado and Ed Sanchez argued a council-manager structure offers checks and balances and could reduce the potential for corruption. Bobbi Young expressed strong support for Mayor Griffin and opposed the change.

Councilman D. Brock moved to adopt Resolution 2024-002 (sponsorship acknowledged from Councilman R. McKenrick); Councilman R. McKenrick seconded. The motion passed on a 4-1 roll-call vote: Councilwoman Page, Councilman Brock, Councilwoman Fripp and Councilman McKenrick voted yes; Mayor Griffin voted no.

Why it matters: a successful referendum would change Blythewood

form of municipal government and how executive authority is assigned; the council action places the question before voters rather than implementing structural change directly.

Next steps: adopting the resolution schedules the referendum question for voter consideration; council and staff did not set the referendum date in the transcript and further procedural steps will follow.

Source: Blythewood Town Council meeting minutes, May 27, 2025.