Commission approves $90,300 contract with National Civic League for charter review

The Decatur City Commission voted Monday to contract with the National Civic League to lead an eight-month review of the city charter.

Staff recommended approval of a contract for services not to exceed $90,300. The National Civic League, a nonprofit that supports local governance best practices, will work with the city to review legal requirements, conduct community engagement and help appoint a Charter Review Commission. The city plans to run a civic lottery in June to randomly select residents for participation and anticipates appointing commission members at the July 21 meeting.

According to staff, the League will begin work in May, the community engagement phase will start in August and the Charter Review Commission's work should be finished by December, with action by the city commission requested in January 2026 prior to the next state legislative session.

Commissioners discussed the scope and cost of the project; one commissioner said the price reflected an extensive public-engagement process intended to ensure broad participation. The commission adopted the memorandum of understanding and authorized staff to execute the contract; staff said funding is available in the current-year budget and the proposed budget.

No formal amendments to the charter were proposed at this meeting; the contract launches the review and engagement process.