Bradenton Council Advances Charter Amendments on Term Limits and Mayor’s Role

The Bradenton City Council has taken the first step toward placing two proposed charter amendments before voters in the November general election. The amendments would establish term limits for elected officials and redefine the role of the city’s mayor.

During its meeting last Wednesday, the council approved first readings of two ordinances that would send the proposed changes to voters if they receive final approval next week.

One proposed amendment would impose term limits on both the mayor and city council members. Under the measure, elected officials would be limited to serving three consecutive four-year terms in the same office. The restriction would take effect beginning with the January 2028 term. Officials who reach the three-term limit would be required to wait two years before running again for the same position.

The second proposed amendment would modify the mayor’s role within city government. Currently, the mayor serves as the ex officio president of the council and is authorized to cast a vote in the event of a tie among the city’s five ward council members.

If approved by voters, the amendment would remove the mayor’s designation as ex officio president of the council and eliminate the ability to cast tie-breaking votes. The revised charter language would also explicitly state that the mayor is not a member of the city council.

The council is scheduled to hold final readings and public hearings on both ordinances on June 10. Council members could still reject either proposal at that time, preventing it from appearing on the November ballot.