Panel is lobbied on Broward elected mayor issue

Broward voters have never elected the county mayor — and they may not get the chance anytime soon.

The Charter Review Commission, which meets every 10 years to propose changes to the county’s charter, has been lobbied heavily to include this issue on the November 2018 ballot.

But it hasn’t yet agreed to do so. It rejected at least one plan, with one sticking point being how much power an elected mayor should have.

A subcommittee meeting on Friday will give supporters of the idea one more chance to see if they can craft a proposal that would be acceptable.

Currently, county commissioners select a mayor each year from among themselves.

The charter commission has already backed seven changes to go on the ballot, but it won’t make any final decisions until after holding public hearings in March. Among the seven issues: Requiring local governments to post notices, agendas and backup materials for all public meetings at least 48 hours in advance of a meeting.

Establishing a Broward County Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

Allowing the county’s Office of Inspector General the discretion to initiate an investigation if it determines good cause exists.

The commission has voted down a couple of referendum proposals. One would have allowed county commissioners instead of the governor to appoint someone to fill a county commission vacancy. Another would have allowed the inspector general to investigate if groups are properly spending public money they receive from county or municipal governments.