Benton City election: Residents professionalize city government, reject levy lid lift
Benton City residents were approving a plan to professionalize city government and rejecting a levy lid lift, according to preliminary election results released Tuesday after polls closed. Proposition 1 to adopt a council-manager form of government was winning with 244 votes to 177, or 58% to 42%. Proposition 2, which would have raised the city’s levy rate to $1.60 per $1,000, was losing with 238 no votes to 193 yes ones, or 55% to 45%. Returns will be updated at 4 p.m., Thursday. The Benton County Auditor said it couldn’t estimate how many outstanding ballots could still come in. Proposition 1 will replace the city’s strong mayor form of government one that puts a paid city manager who works for the elected city council in charge. The cities of Kennewick, Pasco and Richland all have a council-manager form of government. Backers called it a wise investment in ensuring Benton City complies with the estimated 200,000 administrative rules and codes laid down by the state Legislature. Under the current system, an elected strong mayor, who is not required to be an expert in governance, is the city’s chief administrator. Backers say that has led to mismanagement and loss of development opportunities
