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For the first time in 15 years, the city of Zachary is proposing an update to its foundational governing document.
Residents of Zachary will be able to vote on a slate of amendments to the city’s Home Rule Charter on May 3. In a statement provided to Daily Report, Mayor David McDavid says the changes are intended to “strengthen city government, improve clarity and make operations more efficient.”
Here’s a breakdown of the proposed changes:
Clearer eligibility rules for council members
The new language clarifies residency requirements for city council members and establishes automatic forfeiture if a council member no longer meets eligibility standards.
New rules for council meetings
The city council would gain greater flexibility in scheduling meetings. Notably, the mayor pro tempore—not the mayor—would preside over council meetings. In the absence of the mayor pro tempore, the council would designate one of its members as acting mayor pro tempore.
A succession plan in the event of the mayor’s absence
The amended charter outlines a detailed succession plan should the mayor be absent, incapacitated or otherwise unable to perform the duties of their office. In such cases, responsibility would fall first to the chief administrative officer and then, if necessary, to a department head chosen by the city council.
Pay guidelines for elected officials
The amended charter clarifies how the salaries for mayor, police chief and city council are set and adjusted. Any change in compensation would require an ordinance to be passed, and no pay increases would be allowed during the final year of an elected official’s term. Any ordinance that changes compensation would become effective 12 months after the date of its adoption.
Hiring flexibility for top posts
Department heads would no longer need to reside within city limits. The duties of key positions, including the chief administrative officer and the chief financial officer, would be clearly defined.
Expanded authority for the police chief
The amended charter formally establishes the police chief as the city marshal (marshal of the city court) and allows for the appointment of deputy city marshals. Deputy city marshals would have the same powers and authority as the city marshal, but the police chief would be responsible for the actions of deputy city marshals.
A revised budget timeline
The mayor would have 45 days (down from 60) before the start of each fiscal year to submit a proposed budget to the city council. If the council fails to adopt a budget on time, 90% of the previous year’s budget would automatically roll over.
Added oversight for city debt
The amended charter requires a majority vote of the city council to issue bonds and take on debt.
The amended Home Rule Charter can be reviewed in its entirety here. Early voting ends Saturday.
