Resolution #2014-24 LOCAL GOVERNMENT STUDY COMMISSION ELECTIONS

BACKGROUND

Every ten years the cities and towns call for an election on the question of conducting a local government review. (7-3-173, MCA) If the electorate of a city or town approves conducting a review, then the city or town has an election for study commission members. At times the electorate will vote for a review but no one files for election to be on the study commission. That requires the city or town to conduct an election with a blank ballot for write-ins. This is a fairly expensive and burdensome election process. A better option to conducting an election with no candidates is to allow the governing body to appoint the commission members.

ACTION

The League will sponsor legislation to allow the governing body to forego conducting an election when there are no study commission candidates and to appoint the commission members.

Janel Favero
Author: Janel Favero