The Bogalusa City Council this week introduced an ordinance to call a special election to amend the city charter in order to establish a new date for the mayor, city council members and city prosecutor to take office after each election.

The charter says elections for city officials are to coincide with federal elections, and those who win city races are to be sworn into office at noon on the first Monday of the following December.

This year the general election is scheduled for Dec. 6, five days after the first Monday and almost a full year before the following December.

According to the proposed ordinance, those elected would take office on the Jan. 1 following the election.

If approved, the special election to seek voter authorization of the amendment would be held on May 3 between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.

The ordinance will be up for a public hearing during the Feb. 3 council meeting, which begins at 5:30 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend.