Calais charter amendments to take effect Jan. 1

CALAIS, Maine — Two charter amendments that voters overwhelmingly approved on Election Day are set to take effect Jan. 1.

Councilors unanimously approved the effective date at Thursday’s City Council meeting. The amendments were expected to include a start date in the referendum language, but did not, requiring council action to establish one.

Voters adopted two charter amendments that clearly define the waiting periods for when elected officials can become city employees and when municipal employees may seek office.

The amendments define “employment” and “employee” to prevent conflicts when former city workers run for office or former elected officials seek city jobs.

City Manager Mike Ellis said the changes were “not directed toward any particular thing that has happened,” but stemm