Bill > HB2645

This bill, titled "AN ACT to amend Chapter 158 of the Private Acts of 1992," essentially rewrites the city charter for the City of Martin, Tennessee, and will only take effect if approved by a two-thirds vote of the city's legislative body. The new charter establishes the City of Martin as a body politic and corporate with perpetual succession, granting it the power to sue and be sued, contract, own and dispose of property, and use an official seal. It outlines the city's boundaries, which are based on previous acts and any future annexations or contractions. The bill empowers the mayor and aldermen, who will be elected from three wards with a four-year term for both mayor and aldermen, to enact ordinances for public health, safety, and welfare, fix compensation for city officers, levy taxes, appropriate funds, license privileges, regulate various activities like fireworks and animal control, maintain a jail and police force, condemn property for public use, manage streets and sidewalks, regulate trains, provide for fire prevention and water, sewer, and gas systems, grant franchises for public utilities for up to twenty years, and handle garbage disposal. The charter also details procedures for elections, including nonpartisan elections and vote counting, and establishes rules for oaths of office, penalties for bribery, and the declaration of vacancies in office, which will be filled by appointment or special election. It defines the structure of the board of mayor and aldermen, their meeting procedures, and quorum requirements, and outlines the duties of the mayor, including presiding over meetings and accepting legal process. A Vice Mayor will be elected to perform the mayor's duties in their absence or to fill a vacancy. The bill also establishes the role of a City Manager as the chief administrative officer, responsible for supervising city administration and implementing board policies, with specific rules regarding their appointment and relationship with the board, and outlines purchasing procedures, including competitive bidding and emergency exceptions. Other key provisions include the appointment of a City Recorder to manage finances and records, a City Attorney to provide legal advice, and a City Judge to preside over city ordinance violations, with all fees belonging to the city. The charter emphasizes merit-based employment and promotion, and requires fidelity or performance bonds for certain city officials and employees. It also sets forth procedures for budget preparation, public hearings, and adoption, as well as the process for levying and collecting property taxes, including provisions for delinquent taxes. Finally, the bill includes a severability clause, ensuring that if any part of the act is found invalid, the rest will remain in effect, and clarifies that it does not alter the salaries or terms of incumbent officials.

Government Affairs

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/Default?BillNumber=HB2645&ga=114