Title
Discussion and Possible Action to Establish Path Forward on Proposed Charter Changes
Recommended Action
I move that Council direct the County Manager to draft an ordinance to formally propose the following change(s) to the Charter: ____________.
Board, Commission or Committee Recommendation
The Charter Council Working Group recommends changing the Charter language to allow more than two terms for Boards and Commissions.
Body
The County Council discussed possible changes to the Charter at February 10, 2026 Council Work Session. As a result of that discussion, Chair Randall Ryti formed a Council Working Group consisting of Councilors Theresa Cull, Melanee Hand, and David Reagor.
The Council Working Group met and discussed the following Charter changes. The Working Group is only recommending changing the limitation of serving on a “standing board or commission” for more than two terms in succession.
Section 304. Other County Officers - Compensation and Section 900.Chater Amendments
Section 304.1. The offices of Clerk, Assessor, and Sheriff of the County shall be elective.
Section 911. Filling of Vacancies. When a vacancy occurs in the elective offices of Clerk, Assessor, or Sheriff, the County Council shall appoint a qualified person to fill such office for the remainder of the unexpired term.
Notes: The list of “officers” does not include the probate judge.
The County Council has authority under state law to appoint a probate judge to fill a vacancy. No change to Charter recommended.
Section 305. Standing Boards and Commissions and Ad Hoc Advisory Committees
Section 305.4 Limitations. No person shall serve on the same standing board or commission for more than two terms in succession.
Notes: 4 of 6 B&Cs who responded late last year requested allowing a third term.
Section 305.4 would need to be changed or deleted to allow a third term.
Two options: (1) Delete Section 305.4 or (2) change to read, “No person shall serve on the same standing board or commission for more than three terms in succession.”
Justification: Supports continuity and institutional knowledge
Section 600. County Elections
Section 600.3. Canvassing Committee. The returns of every election shall be canvassed and certified to the Council be a Canvassing Committee consisting of three persons to be appointed by the Council.
Notes: This is currently referred to as the Board of Registration and consists of 5 persons, not 3.
This section is superseded by state law. No change to Charter recommended.
General Editorial Changes
The charter refers to “he” (rather than gender-neutral language) throughout. Also, in Section 501.3, “County Administrator” should be “County Manager.”
No change to Charter recommended. These changes aren’t significant and would have to be separate amendments. The gender-neutral changes could get cumbersome due to the publication requirements.
Process to Make Charter Changes
For any individual potential charter change, the next step is to draft an ordinance that formally proposes the change. That ordinance will specify the actual new proposed charter language and will also specify the election date. After introduction, each ordinance will have a public hearing which will provide an additional opportunity for public input and for Council discussion and deliberation. If the ordinance is adopted by the Council, then the proposed change will be presented to the voters for adoption or rejection at an election. In general, Council must notify the Clerk’s office not less than 70 days before the proposed election date. The item could be placed on the ballot for a local or a general election. To be on the 2026 General Election (November 3), the ordinance would need to be effective and filed before August 25, 2026.
Alternatives
Council could decide not to move forward with the process to make the recommended Charter change.
Fiscal and Staff Impact/Unplanned Item
There is minimal fiscal and staff impact if the recommended Charter change would be considered as part of the General Election.
Attachments
A - County Charter