11 proposed Charter changes going before Covington voters

Voters in Covington will have a number of charter changes to consider Tuesday. Following is a brief explanation of each of the 11 proposed changes to Covington’s Home Rule Charter.

The first amendment would set a time limit of 14 calendar days on ordinances to be signed or vetoed by the mayor before it automatically gains the mayor’s approval.

The second amendment would set time limits and require City Council confirmation of department heads at the start of each mayor’s term.

Amendment three allows the City Council to hire its own attorney by resolution approved by a two-thirds vote of the council.

Amendment four creates a separate planning department for the city.

Amendment five would set a limit on how much money the mayor would be allowed to move within a department’s budget without a resolution approved by the City Council. The amount moved or changed by the mayor cannot affect the department’s overall budget. Currently, there is no limit to the amount of money the mayor can change within a department.

Amendment six allows the city to incur debt and issue evidences only in accordance with the constitution and laws of this state.

Amendment seven authorizes the City Council to require advertising and submission of written proposals for contract services.

Amendment eight authorizes the adoption of an ordinance providing for a code of ethics.

Amendment nine states the city’s judicial powers are vested in a mayor’s court until such court is replaced by a city court.

Amendment 10 sets the procedures for elector initiative and referendum.

Amendment 11 provides for voter referendum by call of the council with four-fifths approval, providing the council may call no more than one such election during a calendar year and no more than three issues may be proposed at one election.