Controversy over proposed Johnson City charter changes up for vote in August election

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Four ordinances to change the Johnson City charter will go before voters in the August election. The city believes these changes will better fit the needs of the modern community, while other organizations believe it takes away the voice of their constituents.

The City Commission approved the ordinances in April. The proposed changes will be placed on the ballots for city residents in Washington, Carter, and Sullivan counties for the Aug. 1 election.

But, people can vote on these changes as early as Friday in early voting. A sample ballot in Washington County can be viewed here with the ordinances listed at the end. There’s a short explanation of what would change and the financial impact on the city and, ultimately, taxpayers.

The ordinances change the government’s function in appointing interim employees which would be conducted by the city manager; moving city elections from November to August, along with extending a few terms; only advertising the budget in the newspaper once; and cutting the number of readings on government actions from three to two.




https://www.wjhl.com/news/your-local-election-hq/controversy-over-proposed-johnson-city-charter-changes-up-for-vote-in-august-election/