Conducting elections in the City of Ionia has become increasingly demanding for its part-time manager in recent years with the population growing to more than 13,400 residents. Voters were asked to make the City Manager position full-time and appointed by the mayor and city council.
Residents agreed with a 55% to 45% vote. They also decided it was time to make elected city offices nonpartisan races by an overwhelming 65% “yes” vote to 35% “no.”
All elected officials’ current four-year cycles will now be extended by one year. As for the clerk, the change will go into effect when the term ends in 2026 or should current City Manager Precia Garland vacate the office sooner.