Ozark aldermen direct staff to start charter commission process, place question before voters

The Ozark Board of Aldermen voted to adopt Resolution 2029, directing city staff to take the steps necessary to place a question about creating a city charter before voters at the April 2026 municipal election. City Administrator Terry Johnson told the board the resolution would “set in motion those items discussed at the July 17 non legislative work session” and called it the first step in what he described as “ultimately, a 2 year process.” The resolution instructs staff to begin the formal actions necessary to initiate a charter commission process; the board took no further formal actions at the meeting beyond adopting the resolution by a show of hands. No public speakers came forward during the resolution’s comment period. Discussion at the work session and the meeting framed the resolution as procedural: it directs staff to prepare and carry out tasks needed to begin the charter effort rather than approving a final charter or setting a commission membership list. The city administrator said staff will follow the plan discussed at the July 17 work session and will report back as work proceeds. The board adopted Resolution 2029 by a unanimous vote of aldermen present. The motion to read the resolution by title was made by Alderman Galloway; a later motion to adopt the resolution passed by show of hands with all members voting in favor. Next steps identified in the meeting record are staff-level: prepare the items required to place the question on the April 2026 ballot and begin steps to form the charter commission. The city administrator said the process will take roughly two years to complete if the board and community proceed as discussed.