Clay County Charter Review Commission elects chair, establishes counsel search and monthly schedule

Courtney Connor was elected chair of the Clay County Charter Review Commission at its organizational meeting; the panel also chose Ewan McNair as vice chair, opened a process to gather resumes from outside counsel candidates and set an initial meeting schedule to work toward next year’s ballot deadlines.

The commission — formed under the Clay County home‑rule charter to review and propose amendments for placement on the general election ballot — is working to meet a calendar of procedural deadlines that staff described as driving the commission’s timetable. County Attorney Courtney Grama told members the commission must complete its review and public hearings with time for the Board of County Commissioners to place any approved amendments on the ballot 90 days before the general election.

“The charter says that the CRC shall review the home rule charter and propose any amendments or revisions which may be advisable for placement on the general election ballot,” County Attorney Courtney Grama said, explaining the timeline the commission must meet to get proposals before voters. Grama reviewed the procedural steps staff will help administer, including the requirement that any proposed amendment go through three public hearings held at least 10 days apart (anticipated during June and…