SB363 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

J.T. WaggonerSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Class 7 municipalities, council manager form of government, alternate procedure for adoption to be operative in November 2012, referendum prior to January 1, 2011, Sec. 11-43A-3.3 added; Secs. 11-43A-16, 11-43A-18, 11-43A-32 am'd.

Summary

SB363 lets certain Class 7 Alabama municipalities choose a council-manager government with a mayor and four at-large council members through a defined election path, with a 2012 effective date.

What This Bill Does

It adds a new method (11-43A-3.3) allowing Class 7 municipalities to adopt a council-manager form by resolution, without a petition, if the electorate votes to do so in an election held before January 1, 2011; the change would take effect on the first Monday in November 2012. It creates a five-member council (mayor plus four at-large members) under this alternate method. It amends existing law to set how the city manager is appointed and removed, how vacancies and acting city managers work, and how the district and at-large council posts are designated, aligning these rules with the new form of government. It also clarifies that the 2010 election process under this act is governed by this section and then this section would have no further effect after the change is made.

Who It Affects

• Class 7 municipalities considering adoption of the council-manager form via the alternate method (via resolution and a voter referendum).
• Elected officials and city staff in those municipalities, including the mayor, four at-large council members, and the city manager (including processes for appointment, vacancies, acting appointments, and removal).

Key Provisions

• Adds Section 11-43A-3.3 to allow Class 7 municipalities to adopt a council-manager government with a mayor and four at-large council members, elected by resolution with no petition required; election held before January 1, 2011; change becomes operative on the first Monday in November 2012; section supersedes conflicting laws only for the 2010 election and the change.
• Amends Section 11-43A-16 to define mayoral role (presiding officer with ceremonial head status), establish how vacancies are filled, and provide for a mayor pro tempore in certain classes, with specific voting requirements to fill vacancies.
• Amends Section 11-43A-18 to require the council to appoint a city manager by majority vote, outline term and removal provisions, allow temporary acting city managers for up to four months under specified conditions, and permit non-residents to be appointed.
• Amends Section 11-43A-32 to establish council districts and at-large posts; specifies that in Class 7 municipalities adopting the alternate form, the two at-large posts are designated as mayor and councilman-at-large; describes population considerations and applicability distinctions for different city classes.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Municipalities