If charter passes, here’s what happens next

A proposed new charter for the City of Saratoga Springs will appear on the ballot on Election Day, Nov. 7, 2017.

Important features of the new government structure it would create are: it separates the policy making function (via a 7-person City Council) from administration (via the hiring of a professional City Manager); all city employees would actually be working for the city, rather than for individual commissioners; it adds an internal audit function responsible to the Council; the Mayor remains the chair and a voting member of the Council, but also chairs the Finance Committee and has important appointive and ceremonial functions.

One of the most frequent questions at the Charter Open House was, “What is the timeline for the changeover?” And the answer is:

November 7, 2017 – Voters approve the new city Charter, and also elect Commissioners and a Mayor who take office, under the rules of the current Charter, on Jan 1, 2018.

Within 60 days of filing of the charter referendum results – The City Council (including the Mayor) appoints a 9-member Transition Team. Among other things, the Team is charged with recommending salaries for the Council, Mayor, City Manager, the budget for 2020, and conducts a search for a City Manager.

November 5, 2019 – Election of the City Council (including the Mayor) to serve under the new Charter’s format.

November 30, 2019 – The sitting City Council adopts the budget for 2020. January 1, 2020 – The new City Charter goes into full effect, the new City Council takes office and considers the appointment of the City Manager. Barbara Thomas Saratoga Springs Saratoga Springs Charter Review Commission member