STUART, Fla. (CBS12) — A split vote over the future of city-owned recreational land is fueling an urgent debate on whether the Stuart City Commission should appoint a new member to fill a vacant seat.
During a meeting on Monday, an agenda item concerning the potential sale or lease of city ball fields resulted in a 2-2 tie. This stalemate marked the first time the board has reached a deadlock since the departure of Commissioner Christopher Collins, who resigned on April 30 to pursue a seat on the Martin County Commission.
The tied vote has intensified questions regarding the commission’s ability to conduct business with only four active members. While the city is not legally required to appoint a successor because the next election is scheduled within 120 days, the lack of a fifth tie-breaking vote could leave several upcoming city projects in limbo. If a new commissioner is not appointed, any resolution that results in a 2-2 split will fail to pass, potentially stalling legislative progress through the summer.
City Attorney Lee Baggett provided clarity during the meeting on the scope of the proposed land protections, which would require a public referendum for any sale or long-term lease. “Once this is in the charter, the city commission can’t lease it for more than ten years, or can’t sell it without going out and letting the population vote,” Baggett said. He further noted that the proposed rules would apply broadly to any city property utilized for sports…