Title:
title
Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute a resolution authorizing the placement of two proposed charter amendments submitted by the Seminole County Charter Review Commission on the general election ballot. Countywide (Meloney Koontz, Assistant County Manager)
end
Division:
division
County Manager Office - Business Office
body
Authorized By:
Meloney Koontz, Assistant County Manager
Contact/Phone Number:
Meloney Koontz/407-665-7225
Background:
Section 4.2 B of the Seminole County Home Rule Charter (the “charter”) governs the procedures for amending the charter via the Charter Review Commission (CRC). Amendments and revisions to the charter conducted through the CRC process require the Board of County Commissioners to appoint a 15-member CRC at least 12 months before the general elections every 6 years. Once appointed, the CRC is tasked with reviewing the charter and bringing forward any proposed amendment(s) it deems advisable for placement on the general election ballot.
In August 2023, the Board of County Commissioners approved the current 15-member CRC which first convened on October 5, 2023 and continued meeting through June 20, 2024. During this period, the CRC held three public hearings May 2, May 16, and May 30 to receive public input on two proposed amendments to the charter. After receiving input from the public and upon further discussion and deliberation, the CRC voted favorably by a majority of its members for the placement of two charter amendments on the November ballot.
The two amendments are summarized below and are incorporated in the attached resolutions submitted to the Board for adoption.
• Requirement of a supermajority vote of the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners in order to transfer, or materially change the use or purpose of, Natural Lands owned or managed by Seminole County.
• Requirement of a supermajority vote of the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners in order to remove property from the County’s designated “Rural Area”.
Upon BCC adoption, staff will provide the two amendments with ballot language to the Supervisor of Elections for placement on the general election ballot.
Requested Action:
Staff requests the Board approve and authorize the Chairman to execute a resolution authorizing the placement of two proposed charter amendments submitted by the Seminole County Charter Review Commission on the general election ballot.