City Charter

2025 City of Decatur Home Rule Charter

Based on the recommendations from the Charter Review Commission, at the July 28, 2025, City Council Meeting, the City Council called for a Charter Amendment Election to be held on Saturday, November 4, 2025.  

The Special Charter Amendment Election Propositions will appear on the ballot concurrently with the General Election. 

Resources:

Official Ordinance (PDF) calling the Special Charter Amendment Election for November, 4, 2025
Proposed Charter Amendments (PDF)
2025 Charter Amendment Election Summary English Version
2025 Charter Amendment Election Summary Spanish Version
Charter Propositions English Version 
Charter Propositions Spanish Version 
Sample Ballot

What is the City Charter?

The City Charter is a document that provides the City of Decatur its authority. It is essentially the constitution of the City of Decatur. It tells how the city how to operate. It creates certain departments, city officials, boards and commissions, establishes who can serve on City Council and how long, defines the roles of city officials and prescribes rules and guidelines to run a city.

What is a Charter Review Commission?

The Charter Review Commission is a group of 8 volunteers, appointed by the Mayor and City Council. They are tasked with thoroughly reviewing the Charter and recommending amendments to City Council and ultimately to the voters within the City of Decatur. 

Special Charter Amendment Election

On November 4, 2025, the City of Decatur will hold a special election to consider amendments to the City Charter. Voters may vote for or against each of the propositions individually. 

Early voting starts October 20 through October 31. Election Day voting will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4.

The Decatur City Charter was originally approved and adopted in February 2003. No changes have been made since that time. On March 10, 2025, City Council approved Resolution R2025-03-09 to create the Charter Review Committee and issue the changes put forward by the Council. 

The following individuals were hereby appointed to serve on the 2025 Charter Review Commission: