What is a charter,
and how do we get one?
Understanding
County Charters
A county charter is essentially a local constitution, giving residents the power to design their government to better serve their needs. It allows for innovative approaches to budgeting, public health, public safety, and other critical services.
How do we get there?
Step 1:
Starting the Process
The journey begins with a resolution to draft a charter, which can come from a signature-gathering effort by the community or directly from the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). Once approved, this resolution outlines how many people will be on the drafting committee and sets the timeline for the process.
Step 2:
Electing the Drafters
With the resolution passed, it’s time for the people to choose who will represent them in shaping the new charter. Voters from Thurston County will elect committee members to draft the document, ensuring that community voices are at the center of the process.
Step 3:
Drafting the Charter
Once elected, the drafting committee gets to work. They will write the language of the charter, guided by community input and supported by county resources for research and data. This drafting phase typically takes about a year, allowing for thorough analysis and public involvement.
Step 4:
Voter Approval
The final step is a community decision. Once the draft is complete, voters will have the chance to review the proposed charter and vote on whether to adopt it as the new governing structure for Thurston County. This vote will take place during a special or general election.