By Betsy Finklea
Latta voters chose a new form of government on Tuesday changing from the strong mayor form of government to the strong council form.
There were 328 votes to change the form of government to strong council. There were 147 votes to keep the form of government as strong mayor. Of these votes, 104 of the votes for strong council were absentee votes, and 11 of the votes for strong mayor were absentee votes.
According to a publication from the Municipal Association of South Carolina, “While council’s legislative functions are the same for all three forms, state law or council policy specifically authorizes who performs the executive and administrative functions under each form.”
“Municipalities under the council form of government have five, seven or nine members, including a mayor.
The mayor presides over meetings (by tradition), performs ceremonial duties, calls special meetings, designates a temporary judge, performs administrative duties (only if authorized by council), and acts and votes as a member of council. The mayor has no additional statutory authority beyond that of other council members,” it states.
“Under the council form, the council has all legislative, policy and administrative power. Council establishes departments and prescribes functions; may hire an administrator to assist council; may appoint an officer to administer departments subject to council direction; investigates departments: appoints a clerk, attorney and judge; elects the mayor pro tempore (S.C. Code 5-7-190); and prepares and adopts a balanced budget,” it says.
“Council may appoint an administrator to assist council. The administrator only has the authority delegated by council. Council may appoint an officer of the city, other than a member of council to administer departments. S.C. Code 5-7-180,”  it says.
Council members who have favored the strong council form have said they have no plans to hire an administrator.
The new form of government will take effect once the election is certified.
The certification hearing is on Friday at 11 a.m.