Augusta commissioners agree on reviewing the city charter but not on how

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Experts from the Carl Vinson School of Government tells Augusta a charter review should happen. 

But it could take a year and a half and cost up to $200,000.  

“It’s worth it because in the 28 years we’ve never had any formal review typically governments do it every seven to ten years, so this just makes sense and I think we’re at a crossroads right now in our government,” said Commissioner Sean Frantom. 

City leaders getting expert advice on changing the charter but we’re told any changes would only be recommendations and would have to be approved by state lawmakers. 

“I think it’s time we look at the charter and consider it, my concern is to make sure it’s open to the public,” said State Representative Karlton Howard.  

Experts telling commissioners to get the public involved the mayor and commissioners could make the appointments to an independent charter review committee.  

“We are the elected representatives, and we have to pick someone to represent us in the matter,” said Frantom.  

 But others oppose having city leaders pick a committee and feel the experts at school of government should recommend charter changes    

“Any type of appointments by a commissioner or the mayor would lead to this charter review being a political stunt basically,”  said Commissioner Jordan Johnson.  

“Everything in life is political in some manner and it’s going to be political in some form,” said Frantom.  

“We need to draft this charter in a way that does not speak to anyone’s personal political preferences including my own,” said Johnson.  

City leaders are in favor of reviewing the city charter, but already there’s disagreement on how to get it done.