AGENDA ITEM EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
ITEM TITLE*
title
Public Hearing: Proposed Charter Amendments - Council Size and Mayoral Term
presenter
RESPONSIBLE STAFF, TITLE, DEPARTMENT*
Theodore L. Voorhees, Town Manager, Town Manager’s Office
STAFF RECOMMENDATION*
Staff recommends that Council open the public hearing to receive input on proposed amendments to the Town Charter to reduce the Council size and extend the Mayor’s term from two years to four years, and provide direction on next steps.
body
ACTION/DECISION POINTS*
Council must provide direction to staff regarding potential adoption of the Charter Amendment Ordinance, and decision to call or not call a referendum.
LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT*
Under N.C.G.S. §160A-102, municipalities may alter the structure of the governing body via local ordinance following a prescribed public process. A referendum is optional unless triggered by petition.
BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT*
The Town Council is considering amendments to its Charter to adjust its governance structure. The proposed changes include reducing the number of Council members and extending the Mayor’s term. These changes are intended to support continuity in leadership, enhance governance effectiveness, and align with practices in comparable municipalities. Pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes, the Council may amend its Charter by ordinance following required procedures, including holding a public hearing. The other option is to hold a referendum, either at the Council’s discretion or if triggered by a citizen petition (10% of registered voters or 5,000 signatures, whichever is less, within 30 days).
ATTACHMENTS
Draft Staff Presentation (TBD)
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