Summary
To: Charter Review Committee
From: Town Manager, Gay Lancaster
Date: 7/2/2026
______________________________________________________________________
Subject:
Title
Final Charter Review Discussion
Summary:
At the previous meeting, the Charter Review Committee made determinations on certain changes requested. Additionally, the Committee requested information related to the abolishment of the Police Department, an item that had previously been discussed and voted on by residents. Staff performed research and have summarized the attached documents/processes below.
In 2021, the Town Commission instructed attorney Daigneault to review the current process related to abolishing the Belleair Police Department. After residential input and much discussion, Attorney Daigneault produced the attached memo dated November 11, 2021. In this, Attorney Daigneault outlines the protections existing for the Police Department, as well as why the specific action of abolishing the Department could not go on a ballot.
In turn, the Commission placed a referendum for Charter language that specifically states that the Commissioners would need to unanimously vote on an ordinance to abolish the Police Department.
End
Body
Previous Commission Action: Approval of Ordinance 540 re: referendum.