HB53 Summary

• Establishes a three-part Jefferson County government structure: a 5-member elected county council, an elected chief executive, and an appointed county manager to replace the county commissioner system.

• County council members and chief executive serve 4-year terms with the chief executive limited to 3 consecutive terms; council members elected by district using existing commissioner districts.

• County council holds legislative power including budget adoption, ordinance passage, and appointment confirmations; chief executive enforces laws and oversees county operations; county manager serves as chief administrative officer.

• Requires balanced annual operating and capital budgets submitted 75 days before fiscal year end, with public hearings held at least 2 weeks before adoption and chief executive veto power subject to 2/3 council override.

• Establishes voter initiative (500 signatures) and referendum (3% of gubernatorial voters) procedures; creates 4-year sunset review cycle for county departments; prohibits council members from holding other elected offices without resignation.