Senate Bill 2713, also known as House Bill 2654, amends the charter of the Town of Sardis by making several significant changes to its governance structure. The bill replaces Subsection (20) in SECTION 3, deletes SECTION 5, and introduces a new governing body structure consisting of a Mayor and five Aldermen, each required to be at least twenty-one years old and residents of the town for at least one year. The bill also outlines the process for filling vacancies, setting salaries, and the responsibilities of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen, including their authority to appoint and manage municipal employees.
Additionally, the bill modifies several sections regarding the election process and the powers of the town. It establishes that elections for the Mayor and Aldermen will occur every four years, starting on the first Thursday in August 2026, and allows property owners outside the town limits to vote under certain conditions. The bill also emphasizes the town's authority to exercise all powers necessary for the welfare of its inhabitants, ensuring that the charter's provisions are not restrictive. The act requires a two-thirds vote from the legislative body of the Town of Sardis for it to take effect.