Four new referendums in Johnson City headed to voters

Four referendums proposing to change government operates in Johnson City will be on the ballot in August. The first referendum would cut the required number of readings to pass an ordinance from three to two. Another proposal would require the budget to be published once instead of twice before the final vote. The third would allow the city manager to make temporary appointments “for a period to be determined” instead of for just 90 days. The final change would move city elections from November to August to align with other local elections, which would nearly double the current term for some officials. Voters will make their decision at the polls August 1.