City of Southfield

Proposed Charter Amendments Fact Sheet

TWO PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENTS WILL BE PRESENTED ON THE NOVEMBER 7, 2023 GENERAL ELECTION BALLOT FOR VOTERS TO DECIDE.

The positions of the Southfield City Clerk and City Treasurer are currently elected. Of the 276 other Michigan cities with charters, only 42 elect these positions with the remaining 234 being appointed.

Ballot Proposal #1

• Shall the Charter be amended by amending Sections 5.2, 5.9 and 6.1 to change the city treasurer from an elected to an appointed position, to take effect in November 2025 or upon a vacancy in the office, whichever occurs first?  

Ballot Proposal #2

• Shall Charter Sections 5.2, 5.9 and 6.1 be amended to change the city clerk from an elected to an appointed position, to take effect in November 2025 or upon a vacancy in the office, whichever occurs first?

THE ELECTORS HAVE DIRECT AUTHORITY TO HAVE  AN  APPOINTED CLERK, TREASURER, OR BOTH, OR TO KEEP ONE OR BOTH OF THESE AS ELECTED POSITIONS,  BY VOTING ON  A CITY CHARTER AMENDMENT  AT THE  REGULAR  CITY ELECTION ON TUESDAY  NOVEMBER 7, 2023.

Appointed Clerks and Treasurers:

• Will be required to meet minimum standard criteria and qualifications (such as experience) as set by the City Administrator and will operate as other city departments reporting to Administration;
• Are subject to performance review and can be terminated for unsatisfactory job performance and  removed  for cause( misconduct in office or neglect of duties);
• Qualifications, job descriptions, and wages/benefits including  all statutory responsibilities, and any additional responsibilities are established by City Council; and
• Are vetted and appointed by the City Administrator with the City Council’s confirmation.

Elected Clerks and Treasurers:

• Are only accountable directly to the voters and only required to be residents of the City Southfield and a registered voter;
• Can only be removed from office by the Governor or a voter recall, pursuant to Public Act 116;
• Cannot be required to hold office hours, attend training, or obtain qualifications, if not specified by State law; and
• Have their compensation established by the Local Officers Compensation Commission and hold four (4) year terms commencing in odd-numbered years.

City of Southfield Proposed Charter Amendments Fact Sheet (PDF)