Commissioners go beyond examining conflicts with state statutes to ponder changes such as whether to retain strong city managers.
By SHANNON TAN
Published June 25, 2004
LARGO - In the 30 years since the city charter was adopted, several provisions have come into conflict with state statutes. Other parts of the charter should be reviewed, officials say.
City commissioners agreed last week to change the provisions that conflict with state statutes. A public hearing and final vote is July 6. If the ordinance is adopted, a referendum election will be held Nov. 2.
On Tuesday, officials discussed making more comprehensive changes to the charter, including whether to review Largo's strong city manager form of government. And they decided against having the city attorney report to commissioners, rather than to the city manager.
"I would hate to see the city attorney reporting to us and be at the mercy of seven people pulling him in seven different directions," Vice Mayor Pat Gerard said.
Commissioners also discussed the process by which Largo adopts ordinances.
Some cities require the adoption of a resolution to authorize the borrowing of money.
Largo requires two public hearings to adopt an ordinance, and that has affected the city's ability to close on loans and bonds effectively, City Attorney Alan Zimmet said.
Removing the city manager currently calls for a public hearing and two votes by commissioners.
"In some ways, this is a good safety valve," City Manager Steve Stanton said. "I hope we leave it."
But Commissioner Charlie Harper said the provisions should be removed because the conditions of employment and termination are already spelled out in a contract.
Commissioners also discussed allowing city residents with recently annexed property to run for office if they have lived in their homes for a year.
Harper suggested setting commissioners' yearly salary increase as a percentage of what the County Commission gets.
"It takes the politics out of city commissioners' voting themselves a raise," he said.
Mayor Bob Jackson disagreed. "I don't want to see (the decision) taken away from the commission," he said.
Officials also agreed to hire an internal auditor as needed, get more public comment on changing term limits and hold a town hall meeting on issues such as allowing candidates to run at large instead of for specific seats.
The public can comment on the charter and propose changes at an upcoming meeting.
If commissioners agree on what changes to make to the charter, a referendum election will be held in March to approve the charter amendments.
