What was the discussion by the City of Pensacola’s Charter Commission regarding the mayor’s veto powers?
At its Feb. 18, 2009 meeting, the Pensacola Charter Commission discussed the mayor’s veto power, focusing on limits to that power. Mr. Robert Holmes made a motion –“Mayor may veto any ordinance except: an emergency ordinance as defined in Florida statutes; those ordinances passed as a result of quasi-judicial proceedings when such proceedings are mandated by law; ordinances proposing charter amendments, which the council is required to place on the ballot.” No one from the public spoke on the issue. The motion passed 7-2.
Holmes made a second motion: “That the Mayor have a line item veto as it relates to appropriations or budgetary issues and that it can be overridden by a super majority vote of the Council.” No one from the public spoke on the issue. The motion passed 5-4.
Holmes also moved: “That the line item veto of the Mayor may not cause expenditures to exceed revenues as contained in the adopted budget” No one from the public spoke on the issue. The motion passed 5-4.
The Pensacola City Council later requested several changes to the charter before approving it for a referendum vote.
The Charter Commission met on August 19, 2009 to discuss all the suggestions for Charter amendment received from City Council meeting. One change involved the veto power.
The Mayor’s veto power over ordinances and resolutions was modified. The word “resolutions” was deleted. The change passed 9-1.
The line-item veto power over appropriations and budgetary issues remained intact.
Note: Videos of the meetings can be found on the city’s website.
