Brenda Hixson receives 1,634 signatures petitioning Chattanooga's same-sex partner benefit ordinance from Mark West, president of Citizens for Government Accountability and Transparency, at the Hamilton County Election Commission on Monday, November 25, 2013.

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The Hamilton County Election Commission has verified enough signatures on a petition to repeal the city's controversial domestic benefits ordinance.

This means the City Council has a decision to make. Either council members repeal the ordinance or the question will be put to a referendum vote in the August primary election next year.

Mark West of the local PAC Citizens for Government Accountability and Transparency and president of the local tea party has already turned in 8,900 signatures and plans to turn in nearly 10,000 by the 4 p.m. deadline.

County Administrator of Elections Charlotte Mullis-Morgan said the elections commission has already verified 4,500 signatures, the minimum amount needed as required by the city charter.

See tomorrow's Times Free Press for complete details.