League of Arizona Cities briefs Prescott Valley council on charter authority, limits and process

The Prescott Valley Town Council on Sept. 4 heard a presentation from the League of Arizona Cities and Towns about municipal charter authority, including what a charter can authorize, legal limits set by state law and court decisions, and the practical steps and timeline for adopting a charter.

The presentation, led by Tom Belshi, executive director of the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, and an attorney identified as Nancy from the League, explained that a charter functions like a municipal constitution intended to preserve local authority while remaining subject to the Arizona Constitution and state law. "A charter is similar to the U.S. Constitution or the Arizona Constitution... it really is to preserve local authority and autonomy," Nancy said. Belshi added that adopting a charter is difficult and requires substantial community support: "it requires a lot of support in the community."

The discussion focused on three practical points the presenters said towns should consider: what matters are ‘‘local concern’’ and therefore likely durable in a charter; where state law has "occupied the field" and would preempt local charter language; and the procedural steps and timelines if…