Clarksville To Potentially Join Chattanooga, Knoxville And Memphis In Approving Home Rule Charter

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The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –

Clarksville has taken the first step in changing how the city’s government functions by approving a referendum to the November 2024 ballot that would ask citizens if they would like to have a home rule charter, making Clarksville the 18th Tennessee city to have one.

Under home rule, citizens vote on charter amendments every other year. A committee is often formed to draft amendments which are then added to the ballot for citizens to vote on. A home rule charter also removes state government involvement. Currently, Clarksville has a “private act” charter and requires approval of the state Legislature to change. Under home rule, citizens can also add amendments via a petition.

Councilmember Trisha Butler sponsored the ordinance that was approved on first reading Thursday night with the provision that the referendum be moved to 2024 instead of this November.

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Before the 7-4 vote, council members had concerns about the complexity of home rule and low voter turnout at midterm elections. Councilmember Brian Zacharias proposed the amendment to postpone until 2024, a presidential election year, to give Clarksville citizens and council members alike more time to learn about home rule and what that would entail for the city.

Councilmembers voting yes were Butler, Wanda Allen, Ambar Marquis, Karen Reynolds,Vondell Richmond, Joe Shakeenab and Brian Zacharias. Travis Holleman, Wanda Smith, Stacey Streetman and Mayor Joe Pitts voted no. One Councilmember, Dajuan Little abstained, while Wallace Redd was not present.

Streetman argued that Clarksville’s government works efficiently and effectively, making home rule unnecessary. Butler insisted that the city could do better. “There are some issues,” she said.

Smith suggested that council members learn from leaders in Chattanooga and Memphis that already have a home rule charter. “This is not something you want to take lightly,” she said. “This is something we need to know more about, because if we’re going to allow the citizens to vote when we bring something forward, it’s going to be a lot of time used and we’re going to be at council meetings more often than usual.”

The ordinance will get a second reading at the next council meeting July 1st.

About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.