By Terry Witt – Spotlight Senior Reporter

                Chiefland has scheduled its first April election in the city’s history.

            Qualifying will take place from Monday, Jan. 24 to Thursday, Jan. 27. The qualifying fee is $448.

            The city election is Tuesday, April 5.

            The election last year was held on Tuesday, Aug. 3. The first week of August was the traditional time for Chiefland elections. The date was established in the city charter but was changed last year to April by the city commission.

            Supervisor of Elections Tammy Jones requested the change in dates with the hope that all of Levy County’s municipalities would hold their elections on the same day.

            Chiefland’s primary reason for changing to an April election was to avoid conflicts with the annual budgeting process and to honor Jones’ request. City staff members are often busy preparing the budget for commissioners in August.

            Bronson has also changed its election date to April. Williston kept its traditional March elections.

            The Chiefland election will involve two seats. Commissioner Lewrissa Johns holds Seat 2 and Commissioner Lance Hayes holds Seat 4. Both seats will be on the ballot.

            The city’s four-day qualifying period is shorter than many Levy County cities, which use a five-day qualifying time frame. Chiefland has a four-day workweek. City Hall is open Monday through Thursday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The shorter workweek resulted in the four-day qualifying period, according to City Manager Laura Cain.

            Chiefland has used a four-day workweek since 2013.

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Enterprise Reporting by Terry Witt January 13, 2022; Posted January 13, 2022