MML Review Magazine Winter 2025

By Kim Cekola Council Rules of Procedure: WHAT IS THE LAW AND WHAT IS LOCAL CHOICE?

You may have heard this expressed in a League training session: the “umbrella of legal requirements.” It refers to the hierarchy of laws local governments must follow:

FEDERAL STATE

LOCAL Charter Ordinance Policy

Council rules of procedure are local policies. City and village councils/commissions need rules of procedure to expedite business and provide fair and open deliberation. Some things in the rules of procedure are required by law, and some are up to the local governing body.

Council Rules of Procedure

Home Rule Cities

May be required in charter

Fourth Class Cities

Required by Fourth Class City Act (MCL)

Home Rule Villages

May be required in charter

General Law Villages

Required by General Law Village Act (MCL 65.5)

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