Involvement

consider putting a line item in next year’s budget for charter review when they begin working on the 2025 budget in August.

“This process won’t be free,” he emphasized.

Sara Pasti, D-Ward 1, suggested the city hire someone part-time to help during the charter review. “They could work on legalities,” she said.

“We can’t mess this up,” Shaut said. “Other cities have caused a lot of problems.”

As for what such a committee might look like, Scott-Childress said he wants it to be as “representational’ of the city’s populous as possible. He emphasized ensuring committee members come from all wards, represent all races, genders and religions, and include residents of all income levels.

Scott-Childress said the city must avoid making the charter review committee too large. “Then it will become unwieldy,” he noted.

Teryl Mickens, D-Ward 6, questioned how long a charter review typically takes.

Pasti, formerly of the city of Beacon, said a previous charter review in the Dutchess County city took about 18 months and resulted in the adoption of a city administrator system. Pasti added that people she knows who have done such reviews told her they typically take between 18 months and two years.

Michael Tierney, D-Ward 2, said a recent charter review in Ulster County also took approximately 18 months. He added that county law requires such reviews every seven years.

Scott-Childress said he felt that interval is too often, But he noted it’s been far too long since the city last did a charter review. “Twenty years is outside the limits,” he said.