Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Tim Ryan
Department: County Commission
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO ADOPT Resolution to place a proposed amendment to the Broward County Charter on the ballot for the November 8, 2022, General Election, amending Sections 2.01, 2.02, 2.03, and 2.04 of the Broward County Charter to establish a countywide elected Mayor, the title of which is as follows: (Commissioner Ryan)
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, PROVIDING FOR A REFERENDUM ELECTION TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 8, 2022, THE DATE OF THE GENERAL ELECTION, TO DETERMINE WHETHER TO AMEND THE BROWARD COUNTY CHARTER TO PROVIDE FOR A COUNTYWIDE ELECTED MAYOR; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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Why Action is Necessary
The Broward County Charter authorizes the County Commission to propose amendments to the Broward County Charter, subject to referendum of the general electorate.
What Action Accomplishes
Places a referendum on the ballot that, if approved by the voters, would establish a countywide elected mayor.
Is this Action Goal Related
No
Previous Action Taken
Summary Explanation/Background
This Resolution proposes an amendment to the Broward County Charter that, to be effective, must be approved by the Broward County electorate during the 2022 General Election and must, in applicable part, be authorized by the State of Florida.
If approved and all conditions are met, the proposal would require the Mayor to be elected on a nonpartisan basis beginning in 2024. An election would be held during the August 2024 Primary Election, and if no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, a runoff election would be held during the 2024 General Election. The Mayor would have an annual salary equal to the Broward County Sheriff and be limited to two (2) consecutive four-year terms. The Charter amendment would not, in any way, expand the duties and obligations of the Mayor as stated in the current Charter.
This Resolution differs from my prior proposal in four material ways. First, the election for the position of Mayor would be nonpartisan, and provision is made for a runoff election as stated above to require a second, general election (in November) if no candidate receives over 50% of the votes cast in the primary (August) election. Because of these changes, the effectiveness of the amendment is contingent upon the enactment of state legislation by August 1, 2023, that would permit this election process. Second, additional restrictions on the Mayor’s outside employment have been removed; the Mayor would still be subject to all current restrictions under state and federal law (the same restrictions applicable to County Commissioners). Third, the proposed salary for the Mayor is reduced to the same salary as provided for the Broward County Sheriff. Finally, the provisions creating a lapse in the position of Mayor have been removed, but the Board will still have the power to transfer the duties of Mayor should a vacancy be created.
Six (6) affirmative votes are required to place this proposed Charter amendment on the ballot.
Source of Additional Information
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
Pursuant to Section 11.07 of the Broward County Charter, the County Auditor will be submitting a financial impact statement as additional material.