May 5 Referendum

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Clarifying the May 5 Referendum Mailer

The recent mailer included language stating that other full-time employment while serving would be prohibited. For clarification, the referendum ballot question does not explicitly prohibit outside employment.

The referendum ballot question asks whether Germantown residents want to require the mayor to “serve and devote his or her full attention to the duties of the office of the mayor and serve the City, and its interests, in a full-time capacity, with the salary therefor to be set by lawful ordinance of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BMA).”

If the referendum passes, the BMA — similar to its role in setting the mayor’s salary — would retain the authority to address the topic of outside employment by ordinance.

Proposed Charter Amendment to the Office of Mayor

In addition to primary elections for several county offices, the May 5 ballot will include a referendum asking Germantown voters to decide whether full-time attention should be devoted to the office of Germantown Mayor beginning January 1, 2027, after the November 2026 mayoral election. The referendum does not elect a Mayor nor does it affect the current Mayor’s term. An authorizing resolution requesting the referendum was adopted by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen in October 2024 and later certified by private act of the Tennessee General Assembly.

Below is the question, exactly as it will appear on the ballot.
The mayor shall serve and devote his or her full attention to the duties of the office of mayor and serve the City, and its interests, in a full-time capacity, with the salary therefor to be set via lawful ordinance by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, notwithstanding the provisions of Sec. 4.03 of the Charter, commensurate with the typical duties exercised by, and obligations imposed upon, a full-time mayor. You may vote “for” or “against.”

If a majority of those voting vote “for”
The City Charter would be amended requiring the Mayor to devote full-time attention to the duties of the office. The salary would be set by ordinance of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen which requires a three reading process and a public hearing for approval. This change would take effect January 1, 2027, following the November 2026 mayoral election.

If a majority of those voting vote “against”
The City Charter would remain unchanged. The Mayor would continue to fulfill the duties of the office under the current terms, which do not require full-time attention.

When and Where Can I Vote?
Voter Registration Deadline - April 6

Early Voting - Wednesday, April 15 through Thursday, April 30
New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, 7786 Southern Avenue
Weekdays: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Election Day - Tuesday, May 5
At your assigned voting precinct
Polls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information about voting locations, absentee voting
or voter eligibility, visit shelbyvote.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand/Contract Questions and Answers

How is the mayor currently compensated?
The Mayor currently receives compensation as established by City ordinance adopted by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen. The current salary for the Germantown Mayor is $42,000 annually.
How would the mayor’s salary be determined if the position becomes full time?
If the referendum passes, the City Charter would authorize the Board of Mayor and Aldermen to set the Mayor’s salary by ordinance, which requires three readings prior to adoption. Per the resolution authorizing the referendum, if approved by a majority of those voting, it is anticipated that the Board would consider setting the Mayor’s monthly salary at one-twelfth of the City’s annual median household income, based on U.S. Census Bureau figures published as of the date the Mayor takes office. However, the salary amount would be subject to change during the three-reading ordinance adoption process. If approved, the monthly salary would be effective beginning January 1, 2027, and remain unchanged for the duration of the term.
What does it mean for the mayor to be “full-time?”
A full-time designation means the Mayor would be required by the City Charter to devote full-time attention to the duties of the office and serve the City, and its interests, in a full-time capacity.
What duties would change if the mayor becomes full time?
The referendum does not establish new duties. Instead, it addresses the amount of time and attention devoted to the office, rather than changing the Mayor’s specific responsibilities, which would be defined by ordinance of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen if the referendum is approved by voters.

Per the resolution authorizing the referendum, if it passes by a majority of those voting, the proposed duties may include, but are not limited to: serving as the City’s primary legislative advocate and lobbyist at the federal, state and county levels; monitoring intergovernmental activity; serving as the City’s chief representative on local and regional governmental and non-governmental bodies; leading engagement efforts with business and community stakeholder groups; advocating for economic development to support the City’s vitality and sustainability; and being readily available to respond to community needs, including during declared emergencies.
Would the mayor still be considered a political position if it becomes full time?
Yes. The Mayor would remain an elected official chosen by voters, regardless of whether the position is designated as full time.
How was the referendum language developed?
The referendum language was drafted by City lawyers, with input from Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS), the Secretary of State Elections office and approved by the Tennessee General Assembly.
What is the referendum on the mayor’s role asking voters to decide?
The referendum asks Germantown voters whether the City Charter should be amended to require that the Mayor devote full-time attention to the duties of the office, beginning after the next mayoral election in November 2026.
Why is the ballot language written in technical or legal terms?
Ballot language must precisely reflect charter amendments and comply with legal requirements, which often results in formal or technical wording.
Why is this referendum being placed on the ballot now?
An authorizing resolution requesting the referendum was adopted by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen in October 2024 and later certified by private act of the Tennessee General Assembly.
Does the referendum change who the City Administrator reports to?
No. The referendum does not address reporting relationships. Pursuant to the City Charter, the City Administrator serves at the will of the Mayor.
Does the referendum prohibit the mayor from having outside employment?
The referendum ballot question asks only whether Germantown residents want to require the mayor to "serve and devote his or her full attention to the duties of the office of mayor and serve the City, and its interests, in a full-time capacity, with the salary therefor to be set by lawful ordinance of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BMA)." The ballot question, in and of itself, does not explicitly prohibit outside employment while in office. Should the referendum pass, the BMA, similar to its role in setting the salary for the office, would retain the authority to address the topic of outside employment by ordinance.
How would accountability be structured under a full-time mayor model?
Accountability would continue through elections, the City Charter and the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, as it is today.
How would this change affect the balance of power between the mayor, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen and the City Administrator?
The referendum does not change the formal roles or authority of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen or the City Administrator. Per the City Charter, the City Administrator serves at the will of the Mayor.
Is there a specific salary amount included in the referendum language?
No. The referendum does not specify a dollar amount.
What additional benefits would accompany a full-time mayor position?
Any benefits associated with an elected position would be determined through future Board action and adopted by ordinance. The referendum itself does not specify benefits.
What happens if the referendum fails?
If the referendum fails, the City Charter would remain unchanged.
What specific section of the City Charter would be amended if the referendum passes?
If approved, the referendum would amend Section 4.09 of Chapter 87 of the Private Acts of 1985.
Would a full-time mayor have more authority than the current mayor?
The referendum addresses time commitment, not authority. The Mayor’s powers and responsibilities would continue to be defined by the City Charter and ordinances.
Would future Boards have the authority to increase or decrease the mayor’s salary?
Yes. As with other elected positions, salary levels would continue to be set by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen in accordance with applicable laws, including the City Charter.
Would the City Administrator continue to manage day-to-day operations?
Yes. The City Administrator would continue to be responsible for day-to-day management of City operations.

Clarifying the May 5 Referendum Mailer

Proposed Charter Amendment to the Office of Mayor

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the mayor currently compensated?

How would the mayor’s salary be determined if the position becomes full time?

What does it mean for the mayor to be “full-time?”

What duties would change if the mayor becomes full time?

Would the mayor still be considered a political position if it becomes full time?

How was the referendum language developed?

What is the referendum on the mayor’s role asking voters to decide?

Why is the ballot language written in technical or legal terms?

Why is this referendum being placed on the ballot now?

Does the referendum change who the City Administrator reports to?

Does the referendum prohibit the mayor from having outside employment?

How would accountability be structured under a full-time mayor model?

How would this change affect the balance of power between the mayor, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen and the City Administrator?

Is there a specific salary amount included in the referendum language?

What additional benefits would accompany a full-time mayor position?

What happens if the referendum fails?

What specific section of the City Charter would be amended if the referendum passes?

Would a full-time mayor have more authority than the current mayor?

Would future Boards have the authority to increase or decrease the mayor’s salary?

Would the City Administrator continue to manage day-to-day operations?