A public hearing will be held in Paden City in February to discuss changes to the city’s charter affecting the Office of City Recorder.

According to Paden City Mayor Bill Fox, the public meeting has been scheduled for Feb. 17 at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers to openly discuss a proposed revision to the sections of the Paden City Charter referring to the position of recorder.

The proposed amendment will remove the office of recorder from the list of elected positions and designate it as an “appointed” position. The amendment reads, “There shall be appointed by the Common Council of said Town a Recorder, who at the time of his or her appointment who shall also possess the qualifications necessary to vote for members of the Common Council. Said Recorder shall hold office for an indefinite term.”

As noted in the amendment, the Paden City Council has deemed the changes necessary because the position of recorder requires certain knowledge, skills, training and expertise regarding the powers and duties imposed upon the office by the charter and the codified ordinances, therefore it has been determined that an elected Recorder may not necessarily have the said skills required. The proposal furthers states “the Recorder of the City should be an appointed official chosen by Council on the basis of his or her qualifications and that such appointed Recorder shall serve at the will and pleasure of Council with his or her compensation to be set by Council.”

Should the measure pass the majority vote, Tamara Billiter, who currently serves as Recorder, will fulfill the remaining term of her office, commencing July 1, 2013. Thereafter, the recorder will be appointed by the Council.

The public is invited to attend the meeting to comment, inquire and share concerns regarding the proposed ordinance.

For more information, call 304-337-2295.