Title
Incorporated County of Los Alamos Ordinance No. 755 - An Ordinance Proposing Amendment to Article III, Section 305, Subsection 305.4 of the Charter of the Incorporated County of Los Alamos to be Submitted to the Electorate for Adoption or Rejection at a General Election on November 3, 2026, Pertaining to Standing Boards and Commissions and Ad Hoc Advisory Committees
Recommended Action
I move that Council adopt Incorporated County of Los Alamos Ordinance No. 755; An Ordinance Proposing Amendment to Article iii, Section 305, Subsection 305.4, of the Charter of the Incorporated County of Los Alamos to be Submitted to the Electorate for Adoption or Rejection at a General Election on November 3, 2026, Pertaining to Standing Boards and Commissions and Ad Hoc Advisory Committees and ask the staff to assure that it is published as provided in the County Charter.
Body
The County Council discussed possible changes to the Charter at February 10, 2026 Council Work Session. As a result of that discussion, Chair Randall Ryti formed a Council Working Group consisting of Councilors Theresa Cull, Melanee Hand, and David Reagor. The Council Working Group met and discussed several charter changes.
The possible charter changes were discussed at the April 7, 2026 Council Regular Session. The following action was taken:
"A motion was made by Councilor Cull, seconded by Councilor Herrmann, that Council direct the County Manager to draft an ordinance to formally propose the following change to the Charter: change the wording on section 305-4 to read “no person shall serve on the same standing board or commission for more than 3 terms in succession.”
Ordinance No. 755 is necessary for this charter change to be put before the electorate. The Ordinance states that "allowing citizens to serve three (3) terms, rather than two (2) terms on a county board will allow the citizens’ county government to better benefit from the insight and expertise that comes from serving on standing boards and commissions."
Alternatives
Council could not adopt this ordinance and therefore, this Charter change would not move forward.
Fiscal and Staff Impact/Unplanned Item
There is minimal staff and fiscal impact as this item would be a part of the general election already planned and budgeted.
Attachments
A - Incorporated County of Los Alamos Ordinance No. 755
B - Publication Notice