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COLUMBIA (WACH) -- City of Columbia voters will not get to weigh in on whether the city should operate under a strong mayor system. The city council voted against putting a measure on the November ballot at Tuesday night’s meeting.

The measure failed by a vote of 4 to 3. Council chambers was packed during the meeting with dozens of citizens sharing their opinions on the issue.
 
Under the current system, the city manager reserves the right to hire and fire department heads. That power would've been given to the mayor if voters decided they wanted a change.

157 municipalities in South Carolina, including Charleston operate under a strong mayor system.