Augusta-Richmond County charter review committee hears bylaws, transparency and scheduling guidance at first meeting

The Augusta-Richmond County Charter Review Committee convened for an organizational meeting where outside consultants and city staff laid out how the committee will review the county’s charter, how public access and open‑meetings rules will apply, and what the committee must do before sending proposed charter changes to the commission and legislature.

The committee was told its role is to analyze the current charter and propose deletions, additions or amendments for the Augusta Commission and, ultimately, the Georgia General Assembly and a voter referendum. Rex Facer, head of the Institute of Government’s local government unit, said the process will emphasize transparency: “we are going to make every effort to make sure that our meetings are as accessible as possible,” and that documents and redline drafts would be posted online.

The committee received a detailed overview of the charter review process and bylaws from Carl Vinson Institute staff and municipal counsel. Macy Lane Smith, research staff with the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, summarized the charter’s scope: “Your charter is basically a foundational document. It lines out your structure of government and the parameters of the three branches.” Jim Plunkett, interim city attorney, stressed public‑meeting…