Report: Columbia Council Votes on Strong Mayor Question Ordinance

First reading of an ordinance to put a strong mayor referendum before voters on the Nov. 5 ballot was approved by Columbia City Council at a special called meeting Wednesday night.

According to a report for the Free Times, council voted 4-3 to give voters a chance decide on a new form of government in the city.

On Tuesday, a group organized by the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce said they collected enough signatures during a three-week petition drive to force council to accept the referendum. 

The petition method requires the signatures of at least 15 percent of the city’s qualified voters, according to the Municipal Association of South Carolina.

If the referendum fails, it would be at least four years before another referendum could be placed on the ballot.

The signatures have to be certified by the Richland County Elections & Voter Registration Office. 

Council will meet next week to give final approval of the ordinance, according to the report.