City Oks county to oversee municipal elections

For various reasons, only two Brooksville City Council members voiced a vote Monday on whether county officials would oversee city election processes - one vote for, one against.

By not voicing a vote, the remaining three council members are counted as voting "yes" so the measure passed.

During the meeting at City Hall, council members heard presentations and briefly discussed a cooperative agreement with the Hernando County Supervisor of Elections Office to oversee city elections as the designated "elections official." Other than Councilman David Pugh wanting city staff to pay attention to how well the change plays out in the future, no one spoke against the measure - until the vote.

While Vice Mayor Laura Bradburn voted for the measure, Councilman Joseph E. Johnston III voted against it.

"I wanted to keep things run in the city," Johnston said. "It's just the way I feel. I have no problem working with (Annie Williams, supervisor of elections)."

Mayor Joe Bernardini said he normally doesn't voice a vote unless it's a "no" vote or if he has to break a tie. Councilman Pugh said he was taken off guard by the matter not being taken by a roll-call vote - when each councilmember's name is called for his or her vote.

Council member Richard Lewis left the meeting before a Hernando Today reporter could ask him about his vote. He could not be contacted prior to deadline.

In other business, council members unanimously approved creating a burn/fireworks ordinance that requires a permit for public bonfires and fireworks within the city.

Fire Chief Timothy Mossgrove said the ordinance makes clear that public bonfires or firework displays would require organizers to acquire a permit from the city to hold the event.

The ordinance does not require permits for private gatherings for bonfires or fireworks.

"Our intent is not to change what we do," Mossgrove said. "Rather, it's to clarify what you can do and what you need a permit for."

City Manager T. Jennene Norman-Vacha said costs for a permit have not been determined and would likely be addressed at the next council meeting, slated for Monday, Nov. 2 at City Hall.

Meanwhile, Mossgrove said those planning to hold private bonfires are encouraged to call the fire department and warn them of the coming event. Otherwise, he said his department could receive an emergency call to the location.

"Our standard joke is that if you're going to have a bonfire, have a hot dog waiting for us," Mossgrove said.