Two Charter Amendments to Be Voted on During Dundee Election

Published: Monday, April 6, 2015 at 11:04 a.m. Last Modified: Monday, April 6, 2015 at 11:04 a.m.

DUNDEE | Two charter amendments are up for vote Tuesday in a special election.

One amendment would do away with the rule on majority votes and replace it with plurality of votes, meaning candidates for Town Commission who receive the greatest number of votes would be elected, eliminating runoff elections.

The second amendment would remove a date limitation on changes made to commissioner and the mayor's salaries. If the amendment passes, changes to their salaries voted on by the commission would take effect immediately rather than following a regular election.

The mayor is currently paid $4,500 a year and commissioners are paid $3,300 a year. There hasn't been a raise in 14 years.

Former council member Randy Dowd doesn't agree with the amendment. Although the Town Commission already sets the salaries for its members, he said there is ill intent to remove the date stipulation because the commission could give itself an unreasonable raise and receive it instantly.

Mayor Samuel Pennant spurred the initiatives. Pennant has said that even if the amendment about commission salaries passes, a raise would still have to be discussed and voted on during a meeting and the public could give its input.

Polls will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Dundee Community Center, 603 E. Main St.

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Two Charter Amendments to Be Voted on During Dundee Election