Agenda Item: 15(e)
Prepared By: Joan Taylor, City Clerk
Business: Discussion
Department: Executive
Subject:
Title
Discussion - Local Bill to the Florida House of Representatives, Continued from October 20, 2025 Meeting - Charter Amendment Regarding City of Marco Island City Council Vacancies - Joan Taylor, City Clerk
Body
BACKGROUND:
Resumed discussion of continued item (October 6, 2025 City Council meeting) Local Bill to Florida House of Representatives, Charter Amendment Regarding City of Marco Island City Council Vacancies.
Representative Yvette Benarroch is submitting a local bill that would amend Subsection (3), Section 3.05, Article III of the City of Marco Island Charter regarding how vacancies on the City Council are filled.
The proposed bill provides for:
* A special election must be held within 90 days* of a City Council vacancy.
* An exception applies if the vacancy occurs within one year of a regular city election, in which case the Council may appoint a qualified citizen until the next election.
* If four or more seats are vacant at the same time, or if the Council does not fill a vacancy within 60 days*, the Governor will appoint replacements until the next election.
Should this bill pass, a referendum election (by ballot) to approve this change would be held on August 18, 2026, during the Primary election. The amendment will take effect if approved by a majority of voters.
Coming out of the October 6th , 2025 City Council meeting, Councilors agreed that this agenda item should be continued to October 20th, 2025, meeting so that City Council could develop a letter to Rep. Benarroch, that notices opposition to the proposed house bill for a Charter amendment for filling a Council vacancy. Attached is a DRAFT letter developed by Vice Chair Gray for Council's review and comment. Also attached is the proposed bill and Economic Impact Statement.
*Note, both the City Clerk and the Collier County Supervisor of Elections confirm that 130 ...
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