Charter Review Advisory Commission Seeks Citizen Input

Published on: Feb 26, 2016

The Charter Review Advisory Commission is looking for citizen input regarding the Osceola Home Rule Charter. If you would like to participate, please join us:

March 8, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. and April 12, 2016 at 6:00 p.m.
Osceola County Administration Building
4^th Floor BCC Chambers

 

What is the Osceola County Home Rule Charter?

A charter is like a “mini-constitution” that defines the powers, duties and structures of country government. In 1992, Osceola County citizens approved the Home Rule charter form of government because they believed that governmental decisions affecting local interests should be made locally rather than by the State Legislature.

 

What are the duties of the Charter Review Advisory Commission?

To ensure our form of government is working for the betterment of its citizens, a Charter Review Advisory Commission is convened every four years.  The Board of County Commissioners (BCC) appoints 11 Osceola County residents to review the Home Rule Charter and report back to them within 18 months. The Charter Review Advisory Commission has been meeting for the past year, looking at how Osceola County Government operates, conducting interviews and formulating recommendations for changes needed to the Home Rule Charter. Two hearings will be held to seek input on these recommendations from the public.

What issues have been identified for potential amendment?

After 16 months of interviews, discussion, and deliberations, the Charter Review Advisory Commission (CRAC) has identified six possible changes to the Charter.

1. Add language providing the CRAC with the authority to place recommendations for changing the County Charter directly on the ballot for voter approval.
2. Modify the Charter to expand the number of County Commissioners by adding two at-large commission seats.
3. Amend the Charter changing Article IV, Section 4.2, part A(1) to read: That in order to qualify for the ballot, proponents must collect signatures from registered voters equal to at least 8%, based on the qualified electors registered to vote in the County who voted in the last Presidential election; also, change the wording of a special election to the next general election; and change the Charter Article IV, Section 4.2, part A(2) to provide for a petition period of one year (12 months) to gather the required number of signatures.
4. Change the Charter [Article II, Section 2.2, part H(1)] to read that in order to qualify for the ballot, proponents must collect signatures from registered voters equal to at least 8% of the total number of qualified electors registered to vote in the County who voted in the last general election.  In addition, change the Charter [Article II, Section 2.2, part H (2)] to provide for a petition period of one year (12 months).
5. Change the Charter to require a person to have been a resident of the commission district they wish to represent for twelve months immediately prior to registering for elected office.    
6. Change the threshold requirement for the CRAC to move a proposal forward to the County Commission to a simple majority of the appointed body.

 

How can I review the current Home Rule Charter?

To review a copy of the current Home Rule Charter, log on to the County’s website at www.osceola.org and click on Charter Review Advisory Commission. You may also pick up a copy from the Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners at the Osceola Administration Building 1 Courthouse Square, Suite 4400.