Decatur Charter Review Committee proposes 3-year council terms, anti-nepotism rule and other updates; public hearing, potential ballot set

The Charter Review Commission on Tuesday presented a set of proposed changes to the City of Decatur charter that would move council terms from two years to three, stagger elections, add an anti‑nepotism provision, and update several administrative provisions. The commission and City Council discussed language, implementation timing and a narrow provision on forfeiture of office that may need rewording before final action.

The recommendations are intended to ‘‘future‑proof’’ the charter by removing references to specific state law citations and by adding clauses that make state law controlling where conflicts arise, Chris Forbes, chair of the Charter Review Commission, told the joint meeting. The commission also proposed stylistic corrections—grammar and punctuation—and harmonization of conflicting sections.

Why it matters: The package would change election rhythm, candidate qualifications and several municipal operations rules. Several provisions, if adopted by the council and approved by voters, would alter how Decatur elects council members and how certain municipal offices are staffed and governed.

Key proposals and points raised

- Council terms and staggering: The commission recommends changing councilmember terms from two years to three and staggering elections so that not all seats are up at once. The goal, commissioners said, is to increase continuity and produce a citywide election each…