AR SB179

Allows cities transitioning to mayor-council form of government to elect the mayor, city clerk, city attorney, and city treasurer on the same date every 4 years by ordinance.

Changes the petition requirement for cities to convert from city manager to mayor-council form, allowing petitions from either the board of directors by ordinance or from electors equal to 15% of ballots cast in the preceding mayoral election (requires 6 years after first board takes office).

Permits cities with populations over 100,000 persons to have city council members elected in 2020 serve 2-year terms, with newly elected members in 2022 drawing staggered 2-year or 4-year terms to establish 4-year terms going forward.

Allows cities in city administrator form of government to request reorganization through petition by board of directors by ordinance or by electors representing 15% of mayoral election ballots (requires 4 years after first board and mayor take office).

Clarifies that upon reorganization, the sitting mayor continues until the end of their term and board/directors members become city council members continuing until their terms expire.