Waterford Today

In the past, newly elected and reelected Mayors and City Council Members took the oath of office pursuant to City Charter Section 6.9 at the organizational meeting held on Monday following each regular city election pursuant to City Charter Section 4.1. 

This year, the Oakland County Board of Canvassers will not be able to certify the November 7, 2023, election in time for the November 13, 2023, City Council meeting due to changes in Michigan election law prompted by Ballot Proposal 2 of 2022. 

Since the newly elected and reelected officers cannot take the oath of office until this process is complete, the current elected officers will remain in office at the November 13, 2023, meeting, and the newly elected and reelected officers will take the oath of office on November 20, 2023. 

The November 13, 2023, meeting agenda includes a proposed resolution to extend the time for the newly elected officers to take the oath of office because City Charter Section 6.9 provides that failure to take the oath of office within ten days from the date of the election could result in a vacancy unless the Council, by resolution, extends the time in which the newly elected and reelected officers may take the oath.   

The November 13, 2023, meeting agenda also includes a proposed resolution for City Council to elect one of its members to serve as Mayor Pro Tem pursuant to City Charter Section 3.7. 

Many communities have similar situations created by Ballot Proposal 2 of 2022.  Efforts to enact a statewide solution have been unsuccessful to date.  Charter amendments will likely be proposed in the future to provide consistency with state law. 

Original source can be found here.