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SB 2716

Lafayette - Subject to local approval, moves the date of elections from coinciding with the primary in May to coinciding with the general election in November; increases the compensation of the council members from $100 to $150 for each council meeting and from $50 to $75 for each committee meeting; increases the annual salary of the mayor from $45,000 to $75,000; authorizes the mayor, subject to confirmation of the city council, a superintendent of streets and a superintendent of sanitation. - Amends Chapter 325 of the Private Acts of 1945; as amended.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Ken Yager

Lafayette would shift city elections to November general elections and raise mayor and council pay, with new street and sanitation superintendent roles, pending two-thirds city app

Companion House Bill substituted
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Bill Summary · SB 2716

Summary of Bill: SB 2716 (Session 114) – Lafayette (Tennessee)

Purpose and Intent

This local act proposes to amend Chapter 325 of the Private Acts governing the City of Lafayette, Tennessee. The core changes are:
- Move the city elections from May primaries to November general elections.
- Increase compensation for city council members and the mayor.
- Add the positions of superintendent of streets and superintendent of sanitation to the list of city officials (under the mayor’s authority, with council confirmation).

These changes apply only if approved by the Lafayette city legislative body (two-thirds vote), and they affect future terms and compensation ratifications as specified.

Key Provisions

1) Election Timing

  • The City Council consists of the Mayor and six Council Members elected for four-year terms.
  • Elections are aligned with the general election in November.
  • Specific term schedule after passage:
    • November 2026: Three Council Members elected for four-year terms.
    • November 2028: The Mayor and three Council Members elected for four-year terms.
  • Incumbents as of the act’s effective date continue until their terms expire.
  • Newly elected officials assume duties at 10:00 a.m. on the last Thursday of November following their election.

2) Compensation for Council Members

  • Council Members shall receive $150 per Council Meeting attended.
  • Council Members shall receive $75 per Committee Meeting attended.
  • Payments are subject to approval by the Mayor.

3) Administrative Positions Added

  • The act adds the following positions to the city’s administration: superintendent of gas, superintendent of streets, and superintendent of sanitation.
  • The superintendent of gas remains listed previously; this amendment replaces “superintendent of gas” with “superintendent of gas, superintendent of streets, superintendent of sanitation” in the relevant section.

4) Mayor’s Salary

  • Beginning the last Thursday in November after the November 2028 election, the Mayor shall receive an annual salary of $75,000, payable in equal monthly installments from the general fund.

5) Incumbents and Effective Date

  • The act clarifies that it does not alter the salary of any incumbent prior to the end of their current term.
  • It does not remove incumbents from office or abridge their terms prior to the end of their elected terms.

6) Condition of Effectiveness

  • The act requires approval by a two-thirds vote of the Lafayette City Legislative Body.
  • If approved, it becomes law; otherwise, it does not take effect.
  • The act becomes effective upon becoming law for the purposes of approval, with other provisions taking effect as provided (per Section 8).

Affected Entities and Impacts

  • City of Lafayette, Tennessee: All terms of office and compensation structures described will apply if the local legislative body approves.
  • Elected Officials: Mayor and six City Council Members will experience changes in election timing, term sequencing, and compensation.
  • City Administration: Creation of new superintendent roles (streets and sanitation) to be subject to mayoral appointment/confirmation by the council.
  • Financial Implications: Increased compensation for council members and a higher mayoral salary, funded from the city’s general fund.

Procedural and Timeline Notes

  • The bill amends multiple prior acts (listed in the title) and replaces the relevant language in Section 3, Section 8, and Section 9.
  • Timeline depends on local approval (two-thirds majority) and would align elections with November elections starting with the 2026 cycle, with salary changes taking effect after the 2028 election.
  • Action History indicates companion House Bill substitution and standard local bill processing steps.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison of current Lafayette law vs. the proposed changes, or a short Q&A highlighting how these provisions might affect voters and city operations.

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

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