§ 8.02. Power of referendum.

The citizens of The Colony reserve the power to approve or reject at the polls any ordinance enacted by the city council which is subject to the initiative process under this charter, or state law. The power of referendum shall not extend to an ordinance relating to the budget or capital program, appropriation of money, issuing of bonds, levy of taxes, or any zoning amendment or amendment to the City's comprehensive plan. Prior to or within thirty (30) days after the effective date of any ordinance which is subject to referendum, a petition signed by qualified voters of the city, equal in number to at least fifteen percent (15%) of the number of qualified voters of the city, may be filed with the city secretary requesting that any such ordinance be either repealed or submitted to a vote by the people. When such petition has been certified as sufficient by the city secretary, the ordinance specified in the petition shall not go into effect, or further action thereunder shall be suspended if it shall have gone into effect, until and unless it is approved by the voters, as herein provided.