(A) Introduction of ordinances. A proposed ordinance shall be deemed to be introduced on the date the subject matter is first voted on by the Council.
(B) Adoption of ordinances and approval of contracts.
(1) Generally. An affirmative vote equal to a majority of all the members of the Council not excused from voting on the question in issue (including the Mayor's vote in case of an equal division) shall be required to adopt an ordinance, to take any action that has the effect of an ordinance, or to make, ratify, or authorize any contract on behalf of the town. In addition, no ordinance or action that has the effect of an ordinance may be finally adopted on the date on which it is introduced except by an affirmative vote equal to or greater than two-thirds of all the actual membership of the Council, excluding vacant seats, and not including the Mayor unless he or she has the right to vote on all questions before the Council. No ordinance shall be adopted unless it has been reduced to writing before a vote on adoption is taken, although an ordinance already in writing may be adopted with clear directives to add minor changes.
(2) Zoning protest petitions. An affirmative vote equal to three-fourths of all the members of the Town Council shall be required for an ordinance making a change in a zoning regulation, restriction, or boundary to become effective, if a valid protest petition is received in accordance with the requirements set out in G.S. §§ 160A-385(a) and 160A-386. This rule shall not apply in those cases excepted by G.S. § 160A-385(a).
(C) Adoption of the budget ordinance.
(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of any town charter, general law, or local act:
(a) Any action with respect to the adoption or amendment of the budget ordinance may be taken at any regular or special meeting of the Council by a simple majority of those present and voting, a quorum being present;
(b) No action taken with respect to the adoption or amendment of the budget ordinance need be published or is subject to any other procedural requirement governing the adoption of ordinances or resolutions by the Council; and
(c) The adoption and amendment of the budget ordinance and the levy of taxes in the budget ordinance are not subject to the provisions of any town charter or local act concerning initiative or referendum.
(2) During the period beginning with the submission of the budget to the Council and ending with the adoption of the budget ordinance, the Council may hold any special meetings that may be necessary to complete its work on the budget ordinance. Except for the notice requirements of the open meetings law, which continue to apply, no provision of law concerning the call of special meetings applies during that period so long as:
(a) Each member of the Council has actual notice of each special meeting called for the purpose of considering the budget; and
(b) No business other than consideration of the budget is taken up. This rule does not allow, and may not be construed to allow, the holding of closed meetings or executive sessions by the Council if it is otherwise prohibited by law from holding such a meeting or session.
(Ord. 2008-12, passed 11-20-2008; Am. Ord. 2015-07, passed 10-15-2015)