Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Governance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Edgewood council approves resolution to ask voters whether to reduce council from six to five
Summary
The Town Council approved Resolution 20260720-00 on first reading to submit a referendum for the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot asking residents whether to decrease the council from six members to five; the council cited recruitment challenges and the preference for an odd-numbered body to avoid ties.
The Edgewood Town Council voted to approve Resolution No. 20260720-00 on July 20, 2026, directing the clerk treasurer to certify the measure to the Madison County Election Board so the question can appear on the Nov. 3, 2026 general-election ballot.
The resolution asks voters: “Shall the number of town council members decreased from 6 to 5?” Council members said reducing the body from six to five would create an odd-numbered membership to limit tie votes and could make recruitment and administration more manageable for the town.
The chair explained the procedural urgency: the council must file certified copies with the county by an August 1 deadline for the question to appear on the November ballot. The resolution cites Indiana Code provisions (as read aloud in the meeting) that permit a town legislative body to submit such a public question to voters.
Council members debated the makeup of a five-member council (possible combinations of district and at-large seats) and acknowledged the decision would ultimately rest with town voters if the referendum is certified and approved.
The council moved, seconded and approved the resolution on first reading; the clerk treasurer is directed to deliver certified copies to the Madison County election authorities. The resolution states it will be in full force and effect immediately upon passage and that any change would take place following the election process described in state law.
No formal schedule for follow-up public hearings or advisory materials was announced at the meeting; council members said they will discuss makeup options if voters approve the change in a later session.
