Decatur City Council and Charter Review Committee finalize revisions for city governance

The joint workshop meeting of the Decatur City Council and the Charter Review Committee convened on July 14, 2025, with Mayor Mike McQuiston and Committee Chair Chris Forbes leading the proceedings. The meeting commenced with a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance, setting a formal tone for the discussions ahead.

The primary focus of the meeting was the review and proposed amendments to the city charter. Chair Chris Forbes highlighted the diverse backgrounds of the committee members, which included long-time residents and newcomers, providing a broad perspective on the charter's revisions.

Forbes outlined several key updates made to the charter, starting with minor corrections in grammar and punctuation. More substantive changes were also discussed, aimed at modernizing the document and ensuring it remains relevant. Notably, the committee proposed extending council terms from two to three years, addressing concerns that shorter terms hinder effective governance. This change aims to provide continuity and reduce the frequency of elections, while also proposing staggered election terms to maintain ongoing leadership.

Additional amendments included clarifying candidate qualifications for mayor and council members, specifying that candidates must be at least 20 years old and current on city taxes. The duties of the mayor were also refined to align with state law, and the voting threshold for filling council vacancies was clarified.

The committee introduced provisions for electronic publication of city notices, reflecting a shift towards modern communication methods. Changes to the municipal court's operations were also discussed, including extending the time frame for trial record retention to comply with appellate requirements.

Overall, the meeting underscored the committee's commitment to creating a more functional and adaptable city charter. The proposed changes will be further reviewed and are expected to be presented for public consideration in upcoming elections, ensuring that the charter evolves alongside the needs of Decatur's community.