WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 2699

Athens - Subject to local approval, sets compensation of mayor and council members by ordinance rather than specific dollar amounts; does not alter compensation amounts of current mayor or council members. - Amends Chapter 455 of the Private Acts of 1953; as amended.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Adam Lowe

Allows Athens to set mayor/council pay by ordinance, not fixed amounts, with changes applying to future terms only and requiring a 2/3 local vote to take effect.

Companion House Bill substituted
#athens
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2699

Summary of Senate Bill 2699 (Session 114) – Tennessee

Title and Scope

  • Bill: SB 2699 (companion to House Bill 2637)
  • Jurisdiction: City of Athens, Tennessee
  • Purpose: To allow Athens to set the compensation of the mayor and council members by ordinance rather than by fixed dollar amounts, while preserving current compensation levels for incumbents. The change requires local approval to take effect.

Key Provisions

  1. Change in How Compensation is Set

    • The act would repeal the current Article V, Section 4 of Chapter 455 of the Private Acts of 1953 (as amended) and substitute a new section.
    • New framework: The compensation of the Mayor and City Council members shall be established from time to time by ordinance adopted by the Athens City Council.
    • Limitations: Any changes to compensation must comply with applicable Tennessee law.
    • Protection for incumbents: No change in compensation may take effect during the term for which the Mayor or any Councilmember was elected; increases or decreases would apply to subsequent terms only.

  2. Local Approval Requirement

    • The act has a conditional effect. It shall have no effect unless approved by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Athens city legislative body.
    • Upon approval or rejection, the presiding officer must proclaim the decision and certify it to the Secretary of State.

  3. Effective Date

    • If approved by Athens, the measure becomes effective as a law upon the act’s becoming law and the local approval process is completed. For purposes beyond local approval, the act’s effectiveness is governed by the local approval outcome.

Who Would be Affected

  • Primary: City of Athens, Tennessee, including the Mayor and City Council members.
  • Indirect: The Athens City Council (as the body empowered to adopt future compensation ordinances) and Athens residents who are governed by the city’s compensation decisions.

Procedural and Timeline Notes

  • Introduced/Considered: Filed and introduced in early 2026 with scheduling on local bodies for consideration.
  • Action History Highlights:
    • February 12, 2026: Bill filed.
    • February 19, 2026: Introduced and passed on First Consideration.
    • February 23, 2026: Passed on Second Consideration, held on desk (local bill stage).
    • March 31, 2026: Placed on Senate Local Calendar for consideration.
    • April 2, 2026: Companion House Bill substituted (House version aligned with Senate version for passage).

Practical Impact

  • If Athens approves the bill by a two-thirds vote, the city would gain flexibility to adjust mayoral and council compensation via ordinance rather than fixating on set dollar amounts in statute.
  • Any compensation changes would take effect for future terms, preserving current incumbents’ compensation during their ongoing term.
  • The bill emphasizes local autonomy but ties effect to a formal local vote, ensuring a population or council-approved change.

This summary covers the bill’s core purpose, the substantive changes it would implement, who is affected, and the basic procedural pathway and timeline for enactment. If you’d like, I can compare this proposal to current compensation rules in Athens or to similar provisions in nearby jurisdictions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.