Augusta’s Charter Review Committee revisits a handful of topics at one of its final meetings of 2025 Thursday.
The appointed committee has met every other week since April to recommend revisions to the consolidated government’s charter.
Recommendations so far include adopting a strong manager form of government. The manager would have authority to hire and fire personnel and direct actions in all departments. Other recommendations have been to create an internal audit department and adopt an ethics code.
Going for discussion at the committee’s 10 a.m. meeting Thursday is recommended charter language for the internal auditor and ethics and transparency code. Other business includes setting deadlines for the commission to view and approve the upcoming fiscal year budget.
New business includes a discussion of the powers and duties of the mayor and the commission.
At its 1:30 p.m. working session, the committee will take up eligibility to serve on city boards and authorities, such as whether city employees can serve on them or if a person can hold more than one board appointment.
The city has dozens of boards, commissions and authorities. Most include members appointed by each commissioner and the legislative delegation. Others have enabling legislation specifying certain city staff members such as the administrator and planning director to serve on them.
The charter committee was given a March 31 deadline to finalize its recommendations, while some members have stated a will to finish in time to present recommendations prior to the upcoming legislative session.
If approved, the recommendations could then be presented to voters in a May referendum.
