HB496 Alabama 2010 Session

Under existing law, in all cities and towns having a population of less than 12,000 persons according to the last census, the mayor presides over the council, may vote on any question, and is required to vote in the case of a tie. In all cities or towns having a population of 12,000 or more persons according to the last census, the mayor does not sit with the council or vote in its proceedings. If a federal census shows a change in population to 12,000 or more persons or less than 12,000 persons, the change in the mayor's role in city council proceedings changes after the next municipal general election

This bill would provide that if the population of a city increases to 12,000 or more persons after a federal census, the change in the mayor's role in the city council proceedings may be subject to a referendum of the voters of the city after a public hearing and a petition of a certain percentage of the registered voters of the city

To amend Section 11-43-2 of the Code of Alabama 1975, relating to municipalities and the role of the mayor in the proceedings of the council, to provide for a public hearing and a referendum under certain conditions on any change in the role of the mayor in a city when the population increases to over 12,000 persons after a federal census.