Civic Assembly's charter proposals clear key Council hurdle

During a June 2nd Work Session, Councilmembers voted to advance the recommended changes for Council pay, accountability and charter review developed by Lexington's first-ever Civic Assembly.

In March, the randomly-selected group of Lexington residents met to study and discuss the city's charter, which is effectively its constitution. After much debate and discussion, the group developed three proposals for Council to consider and decide whether they should be placed before local voters this fall. The group's proposals include:

• Council compensation: Raise Councilmember pay to $59,987 a year, the average annual wage in Lexington. The amount would change every year according to the Consumer Price Index. If approved by voters, it would be implemented in 2031.
• Charter review: Lexington's charter would be reviewed every eight years, with the review subject to time limit and public input requirements. A standing committee of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government would advise and form a commission of 36 Lexington residents, selected by a representative lottery. This would be in addition to existing Charter review options.
• Accountability: Amend the charter to create publicly viewable attendance and accountability expectations for Councilmembers.

On Tuesday, June 2nd, Council voted to advanced the proposals in the process, with a final Council vote expected later this month.

At-Large Councilmember James Brown and 8th District Councilmember Amy Beasley voted against the Civic Assembly's recommendation on Council pay. Councilmembers Whitney Elliott Baxter, Joseph Hale and Lisa Higgins-Hord were absent from the meeting.

Making an official change to Lexington's charter requires Council to pass an ordinance (law) that places them on the ballot. Each ordinance would need a 3/5 majority to pass. From there, it would be up to a majority of Lexington voters in November's general election to decide whether the changes should be officially adopted.

Council ordinances and resolutions must receive two readings before they can be voted on and approved. The changes and their accompanying ordinances will receive a first reading on Thursday, June 4th, with a second reading and final vote expected June 18th.