Newberry Commission Backs Plan for Mayor’s Youth Council

NEWBERRY ‒ Annah McGehee, an incoming junior at Newberry High School, appeared before the Newberry City Commission on June 23, 2025, to request the formal establishment of a Mayor’s Youth Council in Newberry.

McGehee’s presentation outlined the goals and purpose of the council, which would serve as a platform for civic engagement, leadership development, and increased involvement of local youth in municipal government. She also provided a sample ordinance for the Commission’s consideration, which was read into the record by title at the end of her presentation.

The idea to create a Mayor’s Youth Council was initially approved by the Commission in July 2024, but the timeline was delayed to allow for further planning and development. “The timeline was pushed back a year to fully flesh out the details,” McGehee explained.

The proposed council would consist of five members in grades 11 and 12, along with two alternates in grades 9 and 10. To be eligible, students must reside within Newberry city limits, have a Newberry address, and be enrolled in a public, private, or home education program (grades 9-12).

Initial appointments will be made by the City Commission, with two members serving one-year terms and three serving two-year terms. Subsequent appointments will occur annually. The mayor or a designated representative, along with City staff, will attend meetings and help coordinate council activities.

The Youth Council will elect a chair to lead meetings and a vice chair to serve in the chair’s absence. Elections will be held at the first regular meeting after annual appointments.

The council must hold at least five regular meetings during the school year. All meetings will comply with Florida’s Government in the Sunshine laws, ensuring public access and transparency. Public records related to the council will be maintained by the Office of the City Clerk.

A council member’s seat will be vacated if the member misses two consecutive meetings unless the absences are excused by a majority vote of the council. The vote and reasoning must be recorded in the meeting minutes.

Regular vacancies will be filled each May through a process set by resolution of the Youth Council. Irregular vacancies will be filled as they arise.

Each Youth Commissioner will have one vote per agenda item. Alternates in grades 9 and 10 will not have voting power.

McGehee also outlined potential responsibilities and projects for the Youth Council, and Mayor Tim Marden contributed additional suggestions. Four students will serve as summer interns with the City to gain firsthand experience in government operations.

The Commission voted unanimously to approve the sample ordinance on first reading. It will come back for a second reading and potential final adoption at the Commission’s next scheduled July meeting.

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