HomeMy WebLinkAbout13.F.3. Odd-Even Year Municipal Election Consideration 1
CITY OF SHAKOPEE
Memorandum
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Mark McNeill, City Administrator
SUBJECT: Odd -Even Year Municipal Election Consideration
DATE: June 11, 2010
Comment:
Introduction:
The Council is asked to give an indication to whether it wants more information
regarding changing Shakopee's municipal election from odd, to even years.
Background:
Of the 853 cities in Minnesota, only 77 elect their municipal offices during the odd year.
Shakopee is one of those.
There are a number of advantages and disadvantages to the odd year election. The most
commonly -noted advantage of odd -year elections is that it allows more attention to be
focused on municipal issues, rather than having city elections getting lost amongst those
of State and Federal campaigns. On the other hand, there is an additional cost to run the
separate election, and turnouts are typically very small.
There are a number of fairly detailed alternatives as to implementation. Staff would
bring back to City Council for future discussion if there is sufficient interest on the part of
the Council.
Recommendation:
This is a preference issue. The Council should discuss and give direction.
Relationship to Visioning:
This supports Goal F, "Housekeeping".
Action Required:
The Council should discuss and give direction as to whether it is interested in a further
discussion of changing from odd year elections to even year, in Shakopee.
btApwil
Mark McNeill
City Administrator