By KAREN VELIE
The Pismo Beach City Council will consider a ballot measure on Tuesday to change the mayoral term from two years to four years.
During a Feb. 6 meeting, the city council discussed placing a measure on the Nov. 3 ballot before directing staff to add the item to a future agenda. To move forward, the city council must adopt an ordinance before submitting a measure to the voters.
If approved by a majority of voters, the change to a four-year mayoral term would take effect during the 2028 General Municipal Election unless the council provides
alternative direction.
Supporters of four-year mayoral terms argue it allows for longer-term planning, infrastructure continuity and reduced election costs.
On the other side, opponents argue they can change a majority during any election and that it allows residents to quickly remove an unfavorable incumbent.
Pismo Beach and other cities should consider eliminating the mayor position and just have an odd number of council member districts and a rotating council leadership position.