Apopka voters to decide on charter amendments, including the mayor’s role and term limits

The Apopka City Council has approved a series of proposed charter amendments that will appear on the ballot. These amendments will allow residents to weigh in on significant issues such as term limits for elected officials, the date of city elections, and the structure of city leadership.

One of the most significant proposals could reshape the role of the mayor by shifting from the current "Mayor-Council" system to a "Council-Manager" form of government. According to City Attorney Shepard, the change would require hiring a city manager, who the mayor would then train to assume leadership responsibilities.

Related from 2022: Charter Review seems imminent, but what changes will it bring?

Not everyone was pleased about the timing of the vote. Both residents and commissioners expressed frustration that the amendments were being pushed to next year.

During public comment, resident Jack Douglas argued the special election should happen sooner rather than later.

"I know the staff is recommending this be placed on the March election, but I'd really like to see this in the [November] special election. The council has budgeted for it to be on a special election. I know that there are three people who have already said that they'd like to run for the mayor's slot. It would be a shame that they would spend all that money running for the position and not know whether they're running for a full-time position or whether they're running for a ceremonial position," Douglas said.

Resident Albert McKimmie agreed, voicing support for an earlier election date while criticizing the delays.

"We really need this decision to go into the next election, not next year. Why? Because I would have to ask our mayor, if he were only going to be a ceremonial mayor, would he even stand for the position? And that question will affect how I would vote for other candidates. So please, let's cut out all the delays that we've had. These delays were deliberate… So let's cut the crap. Let's get down to business and do what we need to do," McKimmie said.

When Commissioner Nick Nesta asked about possibly holding the special election in November, Mayor Bryan Nelson defended the March timeline, citing costs and the number of residents who will participate.

"I think you'll get what everybody talks about, voter turnout. If all you've got people coming out for charter amendments, you're not gonna have nearly as much turnout as you would for the mayor and two other commissioners running for office… plus it will be $14,000 on top. We're still going to have to do the March election regardless," Nelson said.

But Nesta disagreed.

"You may be surprised. People are not happy with utility price increases and things of that nature. They will come out," he said.

The council voted 5-0 to move the special election to November 2025 if possible, and to March 2026 if not. All eight proposed charter amendments will appear on the ballot.

Charter Amendment Questions on Ballot:

Question 1 – Change from Mayor-Council to Council-Manager Government

Explanation:

This amendment would change the city's form of government from "Mayor-Council" to "Council-Manager," effective 120 days after passage, to allow time for hiring a manager and transition.

Question 2 – Change Name of Governing Body to Commission

Explanation:

This amendment changes the name of the city's governing body from "City Council" to "City Commission" and changes "Council Member" to "Commissioner."

Question 3 – Authority of City Clerk in Election Qualifying

Explanation:

This amendment clarifies that the City Clerk's role in reviewing candidate qualifying papers is ministerial only.

Question 4 – Change Date of City Elections

Explanation:

This amendment would change the date for city elections from the first Tuesday in December to the second Tuesday in March.

Question 5 – Term Limits for Elected Officials

Explanation:

This amendment would establish term limits of two consecutive terms for all city commissioners and the mayor. Term-limited officials would be prohibited from holding the same office again for at least four years after their last term.

Question 6 – Employment Contracts

Explanation:

This amendment establishes that all city employees are "at-will," except when covered by collective bargaining agreements or by employment contracts approved by a majority vote of the City Commission at a regular meeting.

Question 7 – Appointment of Clerk and City Attorney

Explanation:

This amendment establishes that the City Clerk and City Attorney are appointed by and serve at the City Commission's pleasure.

Question 8 — Public Comment

Explanation.

This amendment establishes a public comment period before the city commission considers decision items on a meeting agenda.