Context on Huron's possible charter changes

Our local Decision 2024 election coverage is sponsored by the Greater Sandusky Partnership. HURON — This election season, Huron residents have the opportunity to weigh in and, potentially, make several changes to how city government functions. Come Nov. 5, and for the first time, voters living in Huron city limits can directly influence and maybe even alter the city's charter. The charter represents Huron's city constitution, effectively a guiding document for how officials manage local government affairs. A year ago, in 2023, voters approved a charter review commission. During the past year, volunteers serving on this board reviewed city bylaws and suggested changes, which council members confirmed. By and large, the changes aim to create a more efficient government, reducing redundancies, modernizing policies and streamlining other operations. Before any issue — otherwise known as an amendment — becomes law, however, each individual item needs majority approval in the fall election. Through city literature, here's a basic understanding of each yes-or-no issue. The number corresponds to how it'll appear on a fall ballot in Erie County: Issue 5 This proposed charter amendment relates to the powers and duties of the city manager. As currently written, "all" employees can only hire and/or promote employees under a merit system, which requires, among other elements, a written test. The merit system historically, however, only applies to employees seeking promotions in the police and fire departments. Administrative employees are not hired and promoted via a merit system with a written test. This proposed amendment will clarify how employees are hired and promoted within their respective bargaining units or as at-will employees. Issue 6 This proposed charter amendment seeks to amend the appropriations process of the city and finance departments. As currently written, departments are to, in essence, submit quarterly budgets to the city manager and finance director for the following quarter, even though an annual budget has already been approved. Since an annual budget and appropriations are legislated annually by council, and any proposed increases to originally approved budgets are subject to council approval anyways, the process of submitting quarterly budget requests as currently written is tedious, redundant and unnecessary. Issue 7 This proposed charter amendment relates to the powers and duties of city council members. The city charter currently reads that city council shall, among other powers, "establish the staffing of departments," however, staffing of departments has always been a function of either the city manager or department heads. This proposed change seeks to bring clarity by acknowledging that council members can create departments but do not staff departments, such as hire and fire.