Referendum 2024: should Sebastian councilmembers serve four-year terms?

SEBASTIAN — Come November's election, residents will choose term lengths for their city councilmembers, in addition to choosing elected officials.

A referendum passed unanimously April 10, placing a choice before residents — should Sebastian city councilmembers continue to serve two-year terms or should they extend term lengths to four years.

"This is not the council deciding that we are going to go to four-year terms," said Councilman Bob McPartland. "We are just putting this out to the voters to decide about what they feel is right for the city."

Compelling reasons

Currently, the City Council has seats up for election every year. Those elections carry a price tag.

The city pays a per-election fee, which differs depending on the year.

During even-year elections, the city pays the Indian River County Supervisor of Elections office $1 per registered voter. On odd-year elections, that fee increases to $3 per registered voter, according to Supervisor of Elections Leslie Swan.

"That fee adds up quickly," said Swan. "It's higher because there are no state or federal elections to offset the cost. So, the city pays for everything."

This referendum, if voters approve it, would eliminate odd-year elections.

"The 2023 election cost us somewhere in the ballpark of $100,000," said Mayor Ed Dodd. "That is money that could go somewhere else, and do some good."

Another reason cited was the learning curve after becoming a councilmember.

"It takes at least a couple years just to have a decent idea as to what you're doing up there," said Councilman Fred Jones. "The turnover tends to be very disruptive to staff. This could actually give someone the time to be an effective leader."

If passed, it will take some time to implement.

"We ultimately have to phase this in for it to work correctly," said Jones. "But, I think the plan to do that looks pretty good."

If the referendum passes, those elected in November would serve the current two-year term. Then, those elected in 2025 would serve a three-year term, having to run again in 2028. Four-year terms would not be implemented until 2026 and run through 2030. All potential elections after 2026 would be held on even years.

Sins of the past

Vice Mayor Kelly Dixon expressed concern about making the change during the March 20 City Council meeting. She suggested residents may be apprehensive of passing the referendum, due to past council's transgressions.

Dixon was referring to Sunshine Law violations committed by former councilmembers Damien Gilliams, Pamela Parris and Charles Mauti. On April 22, 2020 the three held an illegal meeting, after the scheduled meeting was canceled by the city manager.

"That was definitely an anomaly," said Jones. "But, Sebastian has shown that when those things happen, they do the right thing and get rid of them, so I am not worried about going to a four-year term."

Similar sentiments were echoed by Dodd and McPartlan.

"Almost 6,000 people voted them out in a referendum in July. That was just incredible" said Dodd. "I don't foresee the people of Sebastian having an issue like that anymore."

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Repeating history

A similar referendum extending term limits was voted on over a decade ago. During the 2011 election, four-year terms were shot down by 62%, according to Swan.

Ultimately, the choice is in the hands of city voters.

"At the end of the day, we put this in the hands of the citizens and whether or not they believe this is right," said Jones. "The fact that everyone can have their voice heard is the beauty of democracy."

Nick Slater is TCPalm’s Indian River County Watchdog reporter. You can reach him at Nick.Slater@tcpalm.com and 224-830-2875.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Sebastian referendum: four-year City Council term lengths goes to vote