South Lake Tahoe mayor and mayor pro-tem stay in place until after election

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The mayor of South Lake Tahoe has been a ceremonious position and doesn't carry any special voting privileges. Normally the mayor, and mayor pro tem, are one year terms as guided by City Code, and they will represent the community in those roles.

The mayor’s duties under the South Lake Tahoe City Code and City Council Protocols include presiding over and facilitating discussion at City Council meetings, signing written contracts and instruments, and acting as the City Council’s ceremonial representative at public events and functions. The mayor pro tem assumes the Mayor’s responsibilities in the mayor’s absence.

Since December 3, 2019, Jason Collin has held the mayor position and Tamara Wallace has been mayor pro tem.

The Council decided at that meeting to change the term of mayor to nine months instead of the normal one year at the suggestion of Councilmember Cody Bass so all could have a chance to be mayor during their four year terms.

While the Council protocol changed to have these two positions for nine months, City Code was never updated. It still states, "The city council shall, at its first meeting, select a mayor and mayor pro tempore."

The first meeting is the one after the November election.

Instead of Collin passing the torch during their meeting Tuesday, he is staying in the position until the election (Collin chose not to run for reelection).

“We want this Council to operate in the most effective way possible,” said Collin. “In December our goal is to provide clear definition for terms and transitions and allows for stable leadership to continue working hard for the residents of the City.”

“This Council has found a way to work together, discuss their differences, and make decisions with the best interest of our residents at heart,” said City Manager Joe Irvin, “I know Mayor Collin and Mayor Pro Tem Wallace will continue that leadership.”

Without Collin or Councilmember Brooke Laine running for office November 3 there will be two new councilmembers on board. At their first meeting as a new council a mayor and mayor pro tem will be chooses. While the first meeting after the election is November 17, most likely the results won't be ready to be certified at that time. The old council meets during a regular or special meeting to certify the election results, then the two new members will be sworn in. That could take place during a normal meeting on Dec. 1, Dec. 17 or a during special meeting.

“Any one of us has the capabilities, and qualifications to serve this community as mayor,” said Mayor Pro Tem Tamara Wallace, “This council has worked well together and will continue to. We hope this decision will ultimately eliminate some of the confusion around the terms of mayor and mayor pro tem and allow us to keep serving this community well.”