Monett, Mo., leaders asking voters to consider changing the city’s style of government in April

MONETT, Mo. (KY3) - The city of Monett will ask voters in April whether they want to change the city’s form of government from a 3rd-class commission to a constitutional charter government.

With more than 5,000 people living in the city, it’s qualified to establish a charter form of government. The big difference between the two is that a charter establishes clearly defined roles for staff and elected officials, something Mayor Randy Burke says is lacking.

“It’s gonna be much more efficient,” he said, “because we have a commission government, but we have a city administrator, as well. What’s his power? What does he have authority over? You have to establish that so you have clear lines of communication in who’s doing what. In today’s environment, the funding and the rules are complex. Le