Provides for payment of balance of salary to municipal administrator to be withheld if removed immediately for "good cause."
Impact
The alterations proposed by SB S551 are significant for municipal governance, as they enhance the powers of governing bodies to take swift action against administrators accused of misconduct. By defining 'good cause' as an accusation of a crime or offense involving moral turpitude, the bill underscores a commitment to ethical governance and accountability at the local level. This legislature modifies not only the immediate administrative practices but also reflects a broader intention to set strict standards for public officials’ conduct.
Summary
Senate Bill S551 proposes amendments to the current state laws regarding the removal of municipal administrators. Specifically, it allows for the withholding of salary payments to a municipal administrator who is removed from office for 'good cause' by a two-thirds vote of the governing body. The bill stipulates that such a removal can take immediate effect, though it is generally effective three months after its adoption. This change aims to ensure that administrators cannot receive financial compensation while facing serious accusations related to their conduct in office.
Contention
While supporters argue that SB S551 serves the public interest by ensuring that officials are held to high ethical standards, detractors may raise concerns about potential misuse of the term 'good cause.' There is apprehension that this vague wording could lead to partisan conflicts or abuses of power where political considerations might influence decisions related to an administrator's removal. Additionally, the immediate withholding of salary could lead to legal disputes regarding the definitions and interpretations of misconduct, thus impacting municipal operations and budgets.
Requires boards of education, municipalities, counties, and certain other local contracting units to determine and utilize cost-saving practices when procuring goods and services.
Requires boards of education, municipalities, counties, and certain other local contracting units to determine and utilize cost-saving practices when procuring goods and services.
Requires boards of education, municipalities, counties, and certain other local contracting units to determine and utilize cost-saving practices when procuring goods and services.
Requires boards of education, municipalities, counties, and certain other local contracting units to determine and utilize cost-saving practices when procuring goods and services.
Requires municipalities and counties to utilize cost-saving practices under cooperative purchasing systems when procuring energy-related goods and services.
Requesting The Office Of Planning And Sustainable Development To Convene A Working Group To Evaluate The Establishment And Administrative Placement Of An Office Of Resilience And Recovery.
Requesting The Office Of Planning And Sustainable Development To Convene A Working Group To Evaluate The Establishment And Administrative Placement Of An Office Of Resilience And Recovery.
Requesting The Office Of Planning And Sustainable Development To Convene A Working Group To Evaluate The Establishment And Administrative Placement Of An Office Of Resilience And Recovery.
Requesting The Office Of Planning And Sustainable Development To Convene A Working Group To Evaluate The Establishment And Administrative Placement Of An Office Of Resilience And Recovery.