(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission has approved a charter ordinance changing the terms of the position of mayor and each commissioner from 3-year to 4-year terms, and moving elections for the positions from the spring  to the fall. 

The action, taken during the Commission’s regular meeting Monday evening, is in response to a bill signed into law last year by Governor Sam Brownback moving  city and school board elections from the spring to the November general election.

The decision to go with a four-year term will save the city from having to hold a special election in odd numbered years.  In addition, it will bring the city in line with the terms of county offices and city commissioners in Horton and Sabetha.

The change will require an initial adjustment in the Commissioners' and Mayor’s existing terms.

Three positions will be up for election this November on the Commission.  They include Commissioner of Streets and Parks, currently held by Irv Schwalm;  Commissioner of Utilities, currently held by Toni Hull; and Commissioner of Police, currently held by John Sheeran.

The position of Commissioner of Finance, currently held by Bill Collins and Mayor, currently held by Steffen Shamburg, will be up for election in November 2018.

Starting in 2018, the succeeding elections will be held every two years in November for each governing body position whose term will expire.

The charter ordinance must be published twice, and will take effect 61 days after the final publication unless a valid protest petition is filed.