SB457: SB457 City of Mulberry; provision of services and exercise of powers by the city; provide

The City of Mulberry was incorporated in 2024. This bill amends that incorporating Act to clarify how the city can operate. It confirms the city has broad self-government powers except that it cannot levy property taxes, and it lists the specific services the city can provide: planning and zoning, community development, economic development, code enforcement, solid waste collection, and storm-water management. The city can deliver these services itself or through contracts and intergovernmental agreements with other governments or private providers. The bill also rewrites the charter sections covering the city manager, an appointed chief administrative officer who reports to the mayor and city council, detailing how that person is hired, removed, and what duties they perform, from enforcing laws to preparing the city budget. Finally, it sets staggered election terms: councilmembers from Districts 1, 3, and 5 elected in 2027 serve four-year terms, while those from Districts 2 and 4 serve two-year terms, after which all successors serve four-year terms.

• Limits the city's powers by confirming it cannot assess, levy, or collect property taxes on real or personal property within its limits.
• Specifies that the city may provide services like zoning, community development, code enforcement, and solid waste and storm-water collection.
• Allows the city to deliver services through contracts, intergovernmental agreements, or franchises with private companies rather than only through city staff.
• Establishes a city manager position appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the city council, serving as chief administrative officer.
• Sets out a formal removal process for the city manager, including a preliminary resolution, a possible public hearing, and severance pay of at least 60 days unless removed for a felony conviction.
• Creates staggered council terms starting with the 2027 election, so District 1, 3, and 5 seats get four-year terms while District 2 and 4 seats get two-year terms.

City of Mulberry residents and property owners, the mayor and city council, the appointed city manager and city staff, local businesses that might contract with the city, and any private companies or other governments that might provide services to the city under agreements.

The bill fills in operational details left open when Mulberry was first incorporated, clarifying what services the young city can legally provide and how it will be run day to day. Residents would see a professional city manager handling administration, and council elections would follow a staggered schedule instead of all seats turning over at once.

• Section 1 revises Section 1.14 of the charter to confirm the city has broad self-government powers but bars it from levying property taxes and lists the services it may provide.
• Section 1 also allows the city to provide services through intergovernmental agreements, contracts, franchises, or other agreements with private parties.
• Section 2 revises Sections 2.26 through 2.30 to create the city manager position, appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the council, serving at the council's pleasure.
• Section 2 sets a detailed removal procedure for the city manager, including a preliminary resolution, an optional public hearing, and a final removal vote requiring four councilmembers.
• Section 2 lists the city manager's duties, including enforcing laws, hiring and firing staff, preparing the budget, and reporting monthly to the city council.
• Section 2 requires the city council and councilmembers to communicate with city employees only through the city manager, except during formal inquiries.
• Section 3 revises Section 5.11 to set staggered council terms beginning with the 2027 election, with Districts 1, 3, and 5 getting four-year terms and Districts 2 and 4 getting two-year terms.
• Section 4 repeals any conflicting laws.

1. 2026-05-11Effective Date 2026-05-11
2. 2026-05-11Act 610
3. 2026-05-11Senate Date Signed by Governor (Senate)
4. 2026-04-10Senate Sent to Governor (Senate)
5. 2026-03-20House Passed/Adopted (House)
6. 2026-03-20House Third Readers (House)
7. 2026-03-20House Committee Favorably Reported (House)
8. 2026-03-06House Second Readers (House)

• Clint Dixon (R, SD-045)Primary sponsor
• Bill Cowsert (R, SD-046)
• Shawn Still (R, SD-048)
• Chuck Efstration (R, HD-104)

1. PassedSenate voteMarch 3, 2026

   45 yea, 0 nay (6 not voting, 4 absent)

   Local Consent Calendar: Senate Vote #600

2. PassedHouse voteMarch 20, 2026

   153 yea, 0 nay (14 not voting, 9 absent)

   Local Calendar : House Vote #734

• city government
• municipal charter
• city manager
• local elections
• Mulberry