CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – New legislation that would trigger a referendum to reorganize the City of Clarksville under a “home rule” charter was approved by the City Council on first reading Thursday night with an amendment moving the referendum to 2024.
The ordinance sponsored by Councilmember Trisha Butler sought add a referendum to the November ballot asking citizens if they would like Clarksville to have a home rule charter. Butler’s fellow council members expressed concerns about her ordinance, citing the complexity of home rule, the short time frame to discuss it and historically low voter turnout at midterm elections.
MORE: City Council takes up ‘home rule’ idea that could change Clarksville government
Councilmember Brian Zacharias proposed an amendment to move the referendum to November 2024, a presidential election year, giving council members as well as the citizens of Clarksville more time to learn about home rule.
Butler called the amendment “one heck of a compromise,” but expressed her support.
The amended ordinance passed 7-4. Voting yes were Brian Zacharias, Vondell Richmond, Ambar Marquis, Wanda Allen, Karen Reynolds, Joe Shakeenab and Butler. Voting no were Wanda Smith, Travis Holleman, Stacey Streetman and Mayor Joe Pitts. Dajuan Little abstained from voting and Wallace Redd was absent.
‘Things can be better’
Streetman was among those speaking out against home rule, repeating her argument from last week that Clarksville’s government already works efficiently and effectively, and there is no need for change. Butler responded by saying the city has room for improvement.
“While I can appreciate that sentiment from some people, there is a large swathe of people that would not agree,” Butler told fellow council members. “There are some issues and things can be better.”
Allen said she spoke with a subject matter expert from MTAS who would be willing to come address the council and help them understand the pros and cons of home rule.
‘Not something you want to take lightly’
Smith told council members she would like to hear from leaders in other cities that have home rule charters, such as Chattanooga and Memphis.
“The cons to me outweigh the pros. I think this is more complicated than we know,” Smith said Thursday night. “This is not something you want to take lightly. This is something we need to know more about, because if we’re going to allow the citizens to vote when we bring something forward, it’s going to be a lot of time used and we’re going to be at council meetings more often than usual.”
Putting the home rule referendum on the ballot will require to votes in order to pass. It is expected to receive a second reading at the council’s July 1 regular session.