During a recent Charter Review Committee meeting, the idea of having an at-large, elected city mayor position was mentioned, but no action was taken.
Currently, the city council elects a new mayor from within its members, which the system was enacted through a consent decree due to a lawsuit in 1975.
Charter Review Consultant Don Edmonds suggested reducing the number of districts to six, and have the mayor elected at large, allowing residents the ability to vote for a city mayor – the seventh council member.
Another alternative was keeping the seven districts, but allow Paris residents to vote for an at-large mayor which would have a council vote to break a tie. However, in order for Paris to change its current system, they would have to receive pre-clearance from the US Justice Department.
As the idea of an at-large mayor was popular among committee members, the city attorney advised them the process may not have been completed in time for a May 2022 election.
Committee Member Chad Lindsey suggested the recommendation be made to city council. He motioned to recommend the city charter amend reducing districts to six with an at-large, elected mayor. The motion failed due to lack of a second.
During the meeting, the charter review committee also discussed whether or not to pay city council members for serving – ideas ranged from $100 per meeting or $200 a month. The committee tabled the discussion until they review how other cities have done so.
The committee also discussed city council term limits. Currently, city council members serve 2-year terms with a three term limit. The committee suggested an alternative of 2, 3-year terms. The committee took no action on the recommendation.
