BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Addressing questions about a recently introduced ordinance related to the city manager position, Starke city attorney Scott Walker said his office does not believe it conflicts with the charter.
The charter identifies the city clerk as treasurer, responsible for accounts and payments, while a chief financial officer or city manager would focus on long-term financial planning.
“Nowhere can the city manager override a charter officer,” Walker said, emphasizing that the city clerk and city manager must work together on financial matters.
Walker added that the ordinance now under consideration to restore the city manager position does not violate the charter and that the decision on how to structure city operations rests with the commission.
The ordinance passed 4-1 on first reading, but a second vote is necessary for adoption. (See related story.)
The memo
A memorandum from city attorneys Folds & Walker was drafted to clarify the responsibilities of the city clerk as they are assigned in the city’s charter.
As clerk of the city commission, the clerk attends all meetings, records and preserves minutes, maintains ordinances, safeguards city records and the city seal, and issues and co-signs financial warrants (checks).
In the role of city treasurer, the clerk receives and deposits city revenues, issues receipts, co-signs disbursements, maintains financial records, and provides financial information to commissioners and the city manager.
As tax collector, the clerk keeps departmental tax records, prepares monthly reports for commissioners, collects license taxes and fees, and publishes an annual list of all licenses issued and the revenues they generate.
In the capacity of license and fee administrator, the clerk collects fees, issues licenses, keeps complete records, and publishes annual summaries of transactions.
Serving as clerk to the Board of Bond Trustees, the position provides recordkeeping and support duties as directed by the board.
For elections, the clerk certifies which offices are up for election, receives and safeguards ballot boxes, and oversees post-election recordkeeping.
The memorandum stressed that while the clerk monitors, certifies, and co-signs financial and administrative work, the position does not supervise staff. Support personnel report to the city manager or finance director.
Call for clarity
Commissioner Bob Milner said the city needs a clear understanding of the city clerk’s responsibilities before Clerk-elect Chrissy Thompson takes office in a few weeks.
Milner agreed with the attorney’s explanation that the clerk’s duties must conform to the charter but said staff, attorneys and Thompson herself should work together to clarify how those responsibilities will function day to day.
He noted that while the clerk provides required financial reports, the finance department oversees operations, and ordinances may need to be adjusted to reflect that balance.
Milner said both the incoming clerk and the public deserve clarity, and the commission should have a well-defined structure in place before Thompson assumes the role.
Charter revisions
Attorney Walker told commissioners that Starke’s city charter, written in 1927, contains outdated provisions that should be reviewed.
Walker noted that much of the charter predates Florida’s 1968 constitutional revision, which gave municipalities “home rule” authority under Chapter 166. Before that, city powers had to be explicitly granted by the Legislature.
He advised the commission to consider forming a charter review commission to identify necessary updates and give residents input.
