As members of Augusta’s Charter Review Committee prepare to learn about “various forms of government” next week, some might be surprised to know the project’s contract calls for a draft in November.
Mayor Garnett Johnson signed the contract Jan. 30 with the University of Georgia Research Foundation. The foundation through the Carl Vinson Institute of Government is expected to provide support for the charter review process in conjunction with the review committee.
The lump-sum contract is for $320,174. The city is to pay the bill in four installments of $80,043.50 due May 30, Sept. 30, Dec. 31 and March 31.
The institute has worked with Georgia local governments including Warner Robins to review their charters. The Augusta Commission agreed earlier this year to undertake a similar review, with a deadline for the committee’s work of March 31, 2026. The commission agreed to exclude all current or former elected officials from serving on the committee.
The committee met for a first time April 3 and has debated dates and times through several of its six initial meetings. The committee currently meets approximately every other Thursday and added two subcommittee meetings after each full meeting.
The contract actually calls for a faster timeline, with a project start date of Feb. 1 and a final report and draft charter due Dec. 31. The contract remains in effect through Dec. 31, 2026, allowing for one year of consulting help by the institute, but only on the study results.
The agreement allows UGA or Augusta to terminate the contract early with 90 days written notice. If terminated early, Augusta must pay a prorated share of the next installment payment plus any non-cancellable expenses. The contract may be amended, or renewed for another year if Augusta expands its scope.
The contract divides duties between the institute and the city. The institute is responsible for assisting the committee by reviewing the existing charter, identifying areas for revision and delivering a new charter and final report by Dec. 31. If directed, the institute will conduct research and collect data.
Augusta is responsible for all meeting logistics, including scheduling, notices and public communications, producing official minutes, handling open meetings and open records compliance, coordinating with media and provide all legal review of the
The contract lays out a work schedule of “approximately 11” meetings with the committee over a period of 8-9 months, with a first meeting as well as a public hearing held in March. Institute personnel are to meet with the committee chair every other week.
While the committee has already met six times, the contract spreads the 11 committee meetings over eight months, with one in March, two in April, one each in May and June and one in July. If needed, two more will be held in August and September, and the committee’s final meeting is planned for October, it said.
The contract calls for public hearings in March, June and August, while the committee has scheduled its public hearings for July 7, 8 and 10.
October is when “final recommendations and comments” on the charter are due, according to the contract. The institute is to present a draft report in November and its deliverables, a final report and draft revised charter, by Dec. 31.
This week’s charter committee meeting will be held Wednesday instead of Thursday due to the availability of meeting space. The meeting starts at 10 a.m. in the Augusta Commission chamber.
Augusta's memorandum of understanding with the UGA Research Foundation for charter review services by Susan McCord
