MILTON — On Nov. 8, residents will make some important decisions regarding how their city operates.
In addition to having four Milton City Council seats up for election, they can weigh in on whether Sunday alcohol sales should be allowed within city limits.
The alcohol sales item is a nonbinding referendum; the council is not required to take action following the election’s results.
“The ball is really in (the council’s) court at that point,” City Manager Brian Watkins said. “I would anticipate that they would at least have some discussion about the matter after it has been voted upon, but really it is up to them which action we take.”
While local churches are against alcohol sales on Sunday, business owners said allowing the sales could help the local economy.
Since the item was placed on the November ballot, Watkins said the referendum will come at no cost to the city.
“The only time it would cost us is when we would be doing some sort of special ballot,” he said. “If we got on the normal election cycle it, does not cost us anything.”
In addition to voicing their input on whether alcohol sales should be allowed on Sundays, residents will have to vote on four council seats, three of which will feature incumbents.
For Seat Two in Ward One, incumbent Milton Council Member Jimmy Messick is set to run against Margaret “Peggi” Smith.
In Ward Two, Seat Two incumbent Mary Ellen Johnson is running against Cara Schepper.
Jeff Snow and Henry G. Martin seek to fill Seat One in Ward Three. Earlier this year, Council Member Grady Hester took over the seat following Marilyn Jones’ resignation. Jones resigned in January citing health and personal issues.
R.L. Lewis is running as an incumbent against Casy Powell for Ward Four, Seat One.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Ballot to feature Sunday alcohol sales issue