Commission gets manager proposal on the ballot

The Havre Government Study Commission made it just under the wire and added a proposal to create a city manager for Havre’s government to send to the voters in November.

The Hill County Clerk and Recorder confirmed this morning that the proposal was properly submitted before the deadline, 5 p.m. Monday.

The proposal would both create a city manager, who would handle the day-to-day operation of the city under the general direction of a city commission.

The commission, which would replace the city council, would comprise four members each elected from one of four districts, two at-large commission members, and the mayor, who would be elected at large.

The mayor would have substantially reduced powers as compared to Havre’s current government,

The council now consists of eight members, two elected from each of four districts, and the mayor, who presides over the council and votes only to break ties.

The proposal also would establish greater home rule, switching some authority now held by the state to the city.