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Council rejects ordinance barring department heads from many boards after heated public debate
Summary
Ordinance 14-26, which would have prohibited department heads, appointed officials and certain administrative staff from serving on many city boards and commissions, was debated at length and failed to pass after an amendment and roll-call vote.
The Muncie City Common Council considered Ordinance 14-26 on Aug. 3, a proposal to prohibit department heads, appointed officials and certain administrative staff from serving on many city boards and commissions to reduce potential conflicts of interest and strengthen transparency.
Sponsor Councilmember Mason framed the ordinance as a step to "strengthen transparency, accountability [and] public confidence in Muncie's government." He proposed language defining covered roles and giving specific examples (deputy mayor, city controller, department heads, chiefs of police and fire, city engineer, and certain administrative staff).
Residents, commission members and city employees offered mixed testimony. Patty Yotard, who said she is appointed by the mayor and serves on multiple boards, warned that the city already has a code of ethics (section 37-24) and that excluding department heads could reduce available expertise. Others, including members of the Industry neighborhood and community groups, supported the measure as a way to protect the independence of boards and allow more ordinary residents to participate.
Several speakers argued for grandfathering current members or carving out statutory boards; bond counsel and legal counsel noted that state statute obligations (for example, police and fire pension boards) would not be overridden by the ordinance. After debate the council approved an amendment that clarified the covered categories, but on the final roll call the ordinance failed to secure the votes needed and did not pass.
Opponents said the ordinance was prompted by concerns about specific appointments and could diminish technical expertise on boards; supporters said perception of conflicts of interest undermines public trust and that the ordinance would increase opportunities for resident participation.
The council did not adopt the ordinance, and council members indicated further work or different approaches (including improved appointment outreach and website transparency) could address some concerns raised during testimony.
