The Evansville City Council has approved an ordinance that requires appointed members of city boards and commissions to be city residents.
The council heard arguments from both sides of the issue before passing the ordinance on a 6-to-3 vote.
The Courier and Press reports six Democrats voted for it: sponsor Connie Robinson, Council President John Friend, Vice President Dan Adams, Stephanie Brinkerhoff-Riley, Al Lindsey, and Conor O'Daniel.
Voting “no” were Democrats Missy Mosby and Jonathan Weaver, and Republican Dan McGinn.
Supporters of the ordinance said city limits exist for a reason. They noted, for example, that only city residents can vote in a city election, like the one next year.
Others said a residency requirement is divisive. United Neighborhoods of Evansville was among those who either opposed the idea, or sought compromise in the language.
But Robinson maintained that when people living outside the city make decisions impacting city residents, the divide between "haves and have nots" grows wider.
Supporters also pointed out that Henderson and Owensboro already restrict service to city residents.