Jackson, MI (WKHM) — This November, City of Jackson residents will decide if the position of City Treasurer will remain an elected one or become a City Council-appointed one beginning in 2028.
Jackson City Council has approved a resolution for a proposed Charter Amendment to be submitted to go on this year’s November ballot.
If the ballot language is approved, it would ask voters if the position of City Treasurer shall become an appointed position rather than an elected one beginning December 1, 2028.
Multiple citizens spoke in opposition of the item at the meeting, citing concerns that an appointed Treasurer would serve the interests of City Council rather than those of city residents.
Current City Treasurer Nanette Muntin shared that desire for the position to remain an elected one.
The item reached the required 5 votes to pass with the item passing 5-1. Councilmember Shalanda Hunt voted in opposition.
Councilmember Will Forgrave said that while he is against changing the position to an appointed one, he is in approval of the resolution to give city residents a vote.
Councilmember Conner Wood explained his decision to vote yes, and suggested that if the ballot measure passes, the move may be more impactful in theory than in practice.
City officials will submit the following proposed ballot language for approval for the November ballot:
“CITY OF JACKSON CHARTER AMENDMENT PROPOSAL – SECTIONS 5.3, 7.1, 7.4, 7.10, AND 11.5 – CITY TREASURER
Currently, the City treasurer is elected from the City at large. This amendment would make the treasurer position a City Council appointed position effective as of December 1, 2028, which is the expiration of the current City treasurer term of office. Shall Sections 5.3, 7.1, 7.4, 7.10 and 11.5 of the Jackson City Charter be amended to make the elected office of treasurer a City Council appointed position effective December 1, 2028, which appointee shall serve at the pleasure of City Council after that date?
[ ] Yes
[ ] No”
A full recording of the May 19 Jackson City Council meeting can be viewed by clicking here or can be accessed on the City of Jackson’s website and YouTube channel.
