The purpose of this chapter is to extend the term of the elected office of the Bethlehem Town Supervisor, the Bethlehem Town Clerk, and the Bethlehem Highway Superintendent from two to four years. The Town Board believes an extended term will provide greater opportunity for long-term planning to the offices of Town Supervisor, Town Clerk, and Town Highway Superintendent and thus believes the extended term is in the public's best interest.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Bethlehem 7-24-2024 by L.L. No. 3-2024 Amendments noted where applicable.]
This chapter is adopted pursuant to the provisions of §§ 10(1)(ii)(a) and 23(2)(e) of the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York.
The term of office of the elected Town Clerk and elected Highway Superintendent shall be four years beginning with the general election to be held in 2025. The term of office of the elected Town Supervisor shall be four years beginning with the general election to be held in 2026. Provided a proposition submitted pursuant to § 33-4 below is approved by a majority of qualified voters in the Town of Bethlehem, this chapter shall take effect on January 1, 2025.
This chapter is adopted subject to a mandatory referendum and shall be submitted for approval of the qualified voters of the Town of Bethlehem at the general election to be held on November 5, 2024. A proposition in the following form shall be included in the ballot at such General Election: Shall Local Law No. 3 of 2024 entitled "Local Law Increasing the Term of Office of the Town Supervisor, Town Clerk, and Town Highway Superintendent from two (2) Years to four (4) Years" be approved?
This chapter shall become effective no later than January 1, 2025, upon being filed in the office of the Secretary of State after approval by the qualified voters.