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Ellsworth commissioners approve charter ordinance shifting appointment power from mayor to council
Summary
After extended debate, the Ellsworth City Board of Commissioners approved Charter Ordinance 27 to move appointment and reappointment authority for city officers from the mayor to the full council, with an amendment to include board appointments; the change triggers a 60‑day petition period during which residents may force a special election.
The Ellsworth City Board of Commissioners voted to approve Charter Ordinance 27, a change to city procedures that transfers appointment and reappointment authority for city officers from the sole discretion of the mayor to a council-led process. The council adopted an amendment to extend the change to board appointments as well; the ordinance was published twice and now carries a 60‑day petition window under state law.
City attorney Patrick Hoffman, who drafted the ordinance language, told commissioners the measure is intended to reduce employment‑law risk and to provide clearer, more predictable procedures for long‑term employees who also serve as city officers. "I have had a problem with the structure of this for a long time," Hoffman said, arguing a council approval process can avoid sudden non‑reappointment and its employment consequences.
Supporters said the change will reduce uncertainty for longtime employees and make appointment decisions more collaborative. Opponents, including the mayor, warned the ordinance reduces the mayor's traditional authority and could complicate selection processes. Council discussion included whether the change should cover boards and commissions; that amendment carried and was folded into the ordinance before the final vote.
Under Kansas charter‑ordinance procedure, the approval starts a 60‑day period in which citizens may file a petition to put the change to a public vote; if petitioners gather the required number of signatures, the city would hold a special election at the city's cost unless other arrangements are made. Council members noted the petition process and the potential cost of a special election as part of their deliberations.
The council concluded the meeting without reversing the decision; staff and the city attorney said they will publish the required notices and monitor any petition activity. The change does not take immediate effect if a valid petition is filed in the 60‑day window, and the ordinance's ultimate status could be decided by residents at the ballot if the petition threshold is met.
