LIMA, OH (WLIO) - On Monday night, Lima City Council began discussion to potentially change certain election and hiring procedures within the City Charter.
First, council tackled residency requirements for a city public official office to provide clearer criteria and avoid situations where residency could be questioned. Councilors also conversed about the election timing of council president to provide an equal and fair way for all individuals, regardless of being in an even or odd numbered ward, to run for the presidential seat. Lastly, council addressed the possibility of outside hiring of a police and fire chief. While the Lima Police Department was not in attendance Monday night, the Lima Fire Department provided suggestions on whether a new process is warranted. When asked about the importance of reviewing the charter, council said it's vital to make sure procedures are up-to-date.
"The reason why we want to review the charter is because one thing that we've noticed is working through this charter, a lot of the things are outdated, and so we're just simply, council, trying to bring new light into old situations. And we do know that there is always room for growth when doing things, and what we're trying to do... we're just simply trying to improve the processes and things that we have on the books so that we all can better serve the citizens of Lima," says Jamie Dixon, President, Lima City Council.
Council will hold more meetings to continue the charter review.
