If approved, Bristol voters may choose every council and school board seat

City voters may nominate candidates for any council or school board seat and vote for every seat. Each body has three district seats and two seats for candidates who may live anywhere in the city. A candidate for a district seat must live in that district and receive the most votes for that seat. The act has no effect unless Bristol's legislative body approves it by a two-thirds vote. Council elections are held on the first Tuesday in November of even-numbered years as seats become vacant and terms expire. Council terms begin at the next regular January meeting; school board terms begin January 1 after the election.

Ordinary city ordinances take effect seven days after final passage. This timing rule applies to Bristol city ordinances. The act has no effect unless Bristol's legislative body approves it by a two-thirds vote. Emergency ordinances take effect immediately, and the city may set a later date for an ordinance. The seven-day period runs from final passage. Emergency ordinances take effect immediately after final passage; a later date applies when the city sets one.

The city recorder collects property taxes, prepares a list of delinquent taxes, and sends it to the city attorney for collection action. These provisions cover property taxes owed to Bristol. The act has no effect unless Bristol's legislative body approves it by a two-thirds vote. The city may extend collection without interest or penalties for up to three months and may offer early payment discounts by ordinance or resolution. Taxes on property assessed by Tennessee's comptroller do not accrue interest or penalties until after March 31 of the following year. Discounts do not apply when any part of the tax is paid under the specified state tax payment program. The recorder prepares a list of taxes from two years earlier between January 1 and March 1, then sends it to the city attorney by March 15. The attorney must start collection action before April 1.

The city manager assigns city duties among departments, including a Department of Education; the recorder serves as treasurer for the school board. The listed departments are finance, police, fire, and education. Children living in Bristol who are entitled under state law to attend Sullivan County public schools may attend city schools. The act has no effect unless Bristol's legislative body approves it by a two-thirds vote. The city council must set by ordinance how the recorder pays school funds on the board's order. The board may admit students from outside Bristol. The city may set tuition for them by ordinance. At the start of each school year, the director of schools reports the number of nonresident students by classroom and grade to the city manager.