CCC Release | Council Places Charter Amendment on Ballot
City of Columbus, Ohio sent this bulletin at 03/05/2018 06:43 PM EST
Council Places Charter Amendment on Ballot
Columbus City Council Follows Recommendation of the Charter
Review Committee
[COLUMBUS,
OH] Columbus City Council voted to place a charter amendment on the
May 8, 2018, ballot that increases the size of Council to nine; institutes
at-large, by-place elections and addresses the appointment process.
“We are dedicated to ensuring that residents maintain a high-level
of trust and accountability with Council and governing processes,” said Council
President Shannon Hardin. “This action is the culmination of work and
recommendations from the Charter Review Committee.”
In September of 2016, the Charter Review Committee began the work
of thoroughly examining the issues brought by citizens regarding the structure
of Council. After 14 public meetings and more than 25 hours of work sessions,
the committee presented a report summarizing its recommendations. If enacted,
the changes would take place in 2023.The proposal addresses the following:
Amends the charter to change the total members of Council from
seven to nine;
Changes Council structure from at-large to at-large by place;
Requires Council to hold at least one public hearing prior to the
appointment of an individual to a council vacancy;
Extends the time period for filling a vacancy from 30 to 45 days.
“Ultimately, the decision rests with the residents of Columbus,”
Hardin continued.
