Council asks staff to scope charter revision options, seek consultant proposals

Villa Rica council members on July 8 opened a discussion on whether to pursue revisions to the city charter and asked staff to return with a recommendation and cost estimate for consulting assistance.

Councilmembers noted the charter was last revised in 2018; one councilmember said it had been nearly eight years since the prior comprehensive review. Interim City Attorney Kevin Drummond and other staff described two routes to amend the charter: (1) changes that can be made under home‑rule provisions with two council readings and public notice, and (2) changes requiring local legislation and coordination with the state legislative delegation.

Councilmember comments urged a methodical review. Several members suggested engaging experts who regularly work on charters. Staff identified the Carl Vinson Institute of Government as a potential consultant and said it could compare the current charter against statutory changes since the last revision.

Councilmember McCoy asked about timeline; staff estimated a roughly six‑month process if outside consultants were engaged, with an ideal window to compile recommended local legislation by September or October for discussion with the legislative delegation. Council directed staff to request proposals and cost estimates and return to the council in August with options, including pros and cons of using a consultant versus in‑house legal review.

No formal motion was required; direction to staff was recorded in the meeting minutes.