Tennessee Senate Bill SB2977

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/24
• Engrossed: 3/28/24
• Enrolled: 4/3/24
• Passed: 4/11/24
• Chaptered: 4/17/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Chapter 6 of the Private Acts of 1953; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the charter for the Town of Enville.

Impact

The passage of SB 2977 facilitates an increase in local governmental financial oversight and structures by expressly altering existing legislative provisions regarding the Mayor’s compensation. This may lead to stronger fiscal management and potentially influence the recruitment of candidates for the Mayor's office by providing a more competitive salary. Additionally, by requiring a two-thirds approval vote from the legislative body of the Town of Enville for the bill's enactment, SB 2977 ensures that local stakeholders have a direct voice in approving changes that affect their leadership and governance.

Summary

Senate Bill 2977 is a targeted legislative action aimed at modifying the charter of the Town of Enville, Tennessee. Specifically, the bill amends Chapter 6 of the Private Acts of 1953. The primary focus of this bill is to adjust the salary of the Mayor of Enville from a maximum of $2.00 per month to a new cap of $1,200 per month, thereby increasing the financial compensation for the Mayor's role. Furthermore, the bill changes the regularity of salary payments, allowing for payments to be made on a monthly schedule determined by the Board, replacing the previous stipulation of the first Friday night of each month for payment dates.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SB 2977 appears to indicate broad support among legislators, as demonstrated by the unanimous floor vote (30 yeas and 0 nays) that adopted the bill. This could reflect a recognition of the need to modernize the compensation structure for local officials in line with inflation and increasing responsibilities. However, there's potential for contention regarding local decision-making powers, as significant changes to charters typically prompt discussions about local autonomy versus state intervention.

Contention

While the bill passed successfully without opposition, similar legislative amendments in other regions often encounter scrutiny related to their governance implications. Critics may argue that such changes can lead to conflicts over local control, especially if they perceive state-level policies as infringing upon the rights of municipalities to govern themselves. The requirement for legislative body approval could also lead to debates among council members, particularly if differing opinions arise about the sufficiency of the Mayor’s increased compensation and its impact on the town’s budget.