Rochester voters will decide whether or not to abolish the city’s Police Commission during the municipal election on Nov. 8. The Rochester City Council recently voted to include a charter amendment on the ballot that would repeal the Commission.

The Council discussed the amendment during a meeting on Aug. 2. Mayor T.J. Jean spoke in support of the amendment, saying it would remove an unnecessary layer of government and ensure that the City Council has the final say on all matters relating to the Rochester Police Department’s budget.

Councilor John Larochelle spoke against the amendment, saying past attempts to abolish the Commission were denied by voters. He questioned how eliminating the Commission would affect communications between citizens and the Police Department.

But, following a public hearing on Aug. 16, the Council voted 9-4 to include the amendment on the November ballot. Several members of the Police Department spoke against the proposal.

The Police Commission consists of three elected members who govern the Police Department. The current members include chair Lucien Levesque, vice chair Al Bemis, and commissioner James McManus Jr.

If voters approve the amendment, the Commission will be abolished at the end of the year.