Solicitor: Charter on ballot not possible until November 2027; council cannot serve on commission

The committee reviewed solicitor guidance on the mechanics and timeline for placing a municipal charter before voters.

The solicitor told the committee the next regular municipal election for charter submission is the November 2027 general election (the first Tuesday after the first Monday). The solicitor advised that council members may not serve on a charter commission and that the commission must consist of exactly 15 electors; if fewer than 15 file for the commission, the effort fails.

Committee members asked about petition and signature rules and were advised that the board of elections typically handles filing requirements for charter commissioners. The solicitor also explained that while council members cannot meet as a committee or use village resources to recruit electors, individual council members may privately encourage residents to file to serve as commissioners.

Members asked whether a charter would survive a future transition from village to city. The solicitor said an approved charter would survive but would likely require amendments to align with city status; those amendments would follow the commission-and-ballot process. Staff said they would research examples from other municipalities and return with more detailed guidance.