For the last few months a number of items have been placed on the Town Council Agenda. The common thread to most of the items is an increase in the Mayor’s authority and a reduction in the authority of the Town Council. Since the Mayor rarely states why any of the proposed changes are a good idea, one has to second guess the reasoning behind such proposals. This Mayor, I believe, thinks that generally Town Council is an impediment to the conduct of day-to-day activities of Town Government. So if it were possible to move the authority over to the Mayor, most business could be accomplished more efficiently.
A seemingly small change in Ordinance 156 is to be brought before Town Council at a meeting scheduled Thursday, February 26 at 6:30 p.m. The proposed change would grant the Mayor authority to approve and issue Special Event permits, which have previously approval from the Town Council.
State Law provides most authority in local government to the Town Council/Commission. Our Legislators demonstrated great wisdom in reserving those authorities only to Town Council. Town Council in Stevensville is comprised of two elected representatives from each of two Wards. These citizens are the citizens’ voice in what does or does not happen in local government. While the Mayor is elected as well, in my opinion it is Town Council representatives who are most available and represent the viewpoint shared by citizens in each Ward. If you believe that, then it is critical that Town Council authority be protected and preserved. Even seemingly little changes will and do have a cumulative effect as this Mayor has proposed a multitude of “little changes.” State Law is very clear about who has the authority. For instance, in this case Montana Code Annotated (MCA) 7-21-4101 states, “(1) The city or town council has power: (a) to license by ordinance all industries, pursuits, professions, and occupations and to impose penalties for failure to comply with such requirements; (b) to fix the amount, terms, and manner of issuing and revoking licenses. (2) The council may refuse licenses when it may deem it best for the public interests.” It does not say the mayor may issue and inform town council.
One more example is revisions to the Personnel Manual. These changes will give sole authority to hire or fire any employee of the Town of Stevensville to only the Mayor. Here again State Law clearly states the Mayor is the day to day supervisor, but termination is with the concurrence of Town Council.
I urge each of you to become informed and make your voice heard to your representatives.
Clayton D. Floyd Jr.
Stevensville