Title
Amending the City Charter to Change the Form of Government
Action
Action:
A. Adopt an ordinance amending the City Charter to change the form of government by:
1. Changing the terms of office for the Mayor and Councilmembers from two years to four years,
2. Staggering the election terms,
3. Adding an additional district member, and
B. Adopt an ordinance amending the City Charter to be effective only if approved by a vote of the people, and
C. Adopt a resolution to call a special election for the purpose of submitting the ordinance to a vote at the next general election, November 7, 2023.
Body
Committee Chair:
Dimple Ajmera, Budget, Governance, and Intergovernmental Relations
Staff Resource(s):
Patrick Baker, City Attorney's Office
Lina James, City Attorney's Office
Proposed Changes
* NC General Statutes 160A-101 authorizes the City Council to change its form of government by adopting a resolution of intent to consider amending its city charter by ordinance; modifications include altering the terms of office of the mayor and councilmembers, staggering terms of office, and adding an additional district member so long as the number of councilmembers does not exceed 12.
* By law, within 10 days of adoption of Actions A, B, and C, the City Clerk shall publish notice of the call for election and shall forward copies of the attached resolutions to the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections.
* If the majority of votes cast at the election are in favor of the proposed amendments by ordinance to the City Charter, Council shall take action to adopt the ordinance which will become effective upon adoption.
* Action A:
- NC General Statute 160A-102 specifies the procedures for amending the city charter by adopting an ordinance to implement changes allowed by law.
* Action B:
- By law, when an ordinance is adopted and subject to a public vote, whether by Council action or a referendum petition, that vote must take place at the next general election and Council m...
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