Explanation
This ordinance provides for the submission to the electors of the city of Columbus the question of amending the Charter of the City of Columbus, as relates to the modernization of certain city functions. These amendments are based on the recommendations of the 2022 Columbus Charter Review Commission.
On July 6, 2022, the Charter Review Commission, appointed by Mayor Andrew J. Ginther and Council President Shannon Hardin, adopted five (5) comprehensive recommendations. A report summarizing those recommendations was submitted to Council on July 9, 2022 and is attached to this ordinance.
Based on council's consideration of the commission's recommendations, council proposes a ballot question regarding the modernization of certain city operations. Proposed Charter Amendment No. 3, City Modernization, addresses the following:
· Allowing for a special or emergency meeting of council to be called as provided for by the charter and ordinance of council, rather than by the general laws of the state
· Maintaining that public bodies of the city hold all meetings in accordance with general laws of the state, with the exception that council, by ordinance, may allow for conducting business by virtual means (teleconference, video conference, or other similar technology), and provide for the circumstances by which this occurs
· Changing the statement from the city auditor for the mayor’s estimate to include revenues of the general fund, rather than just income from taxes
· Removing the requirement to specify upon the warrant the funds upon which the warrant is drawn
· Giving the city auditor the ability to determine the form of a warrant as provided by state law or council ordinance
· Simplifying the section allowing council to determine by ordinance how and where city investment monies are deposited and sold.
· Updating language referring to how outstanding utility debt is paid or transferred to a fund in order to pay interest on said debt
· Changing the ...
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