Chiefland Qualifying Dates set for First Election in April

By Terry Witt -Spotlight Senior Reporter

Chiefland is preparing for its first municipal election in April.

The positions held by Commissioner Chris Jones from Group 1, Commissioner Rollin Hudson from Group 2 and Commissioner Norman Weaver from Group 3 will be on the April 4 ballot.

Jones is also the mayor. The mayor is selected by the commissioners.

Qualifying for the election will take place from Monday, Jan. 23 through Thursday, Jan. 26.

The qualifying fee is $448 as set by city ordinance. The qualifying fee is one-twelfth of the annual salary of a commissioner plus “any other state-mandated election assessment or other fees” levied by the city

Commissioners also approved an interlocal agreement to pay the county elections office $950 for use of its voting machines and other supplies. The fee also covers county elections office consultation with city officials on election issues that may arise. City Manager Laura Cain is in charge of running Chiefland elections.

Every city in Levy County, except for Fanning Springs, has switched its election date to April 4 at the request of County Elections Supervisor Tammy Jones.

Levy County has eight municipalities. Jones said in the past, municipal elections were spread across the entire year and were a drain on her resources. She approached every city with the idea of changing their election dates to the first week of April.

April is now Municipal Elections Month in Levy County.

Chiefland elections are often contested.

Hudson is the longest-serving commissioner followed by Jones and then Weaver. Commissioners serve two-year terms.