By Josh Margolis
HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – The Havre Ordinance Committee moved one step closer towards putting a charter government resolution on the November ballot when they met on Monday evening at City Hall.
During the hour long meeting, a draft copy of a Charter was provided by Ward 3’s Andrew Brekke.
Brekke said this charter document, if approved by the voters, would provide Havre with self-governing powers while maintaining their existing form of government.
The charter does not change the structure of the City Council, and does not include the hiring of a City Manager, which has been featured in previous charter proposals that were not approved by the voters.
It was also mentioned at the meeting that the City Council has been offered funding from a board of realtors to help educate the public on why they believe a charter would be beneficial to Havre.
This could be provided in the form of a grant, and because the Council is allowed to electioneer, they could use these funds to get the public behind supporting the charter.
One member of the public spoke at the meeting, asking about what upsides there are to having a charter.
The Ordinance Committee said that numerous other municipalities in Montana, both larger and smaller than Havre, have charter governments. They added that it gives the Council more flexibility and options when issues arise.
The document will now go to the City Attorney for review. If all goes as planned, the attorney will draft a resolution. Then, at the next City Council meeting on July 6th, the Council will vote on putting the resolution on the ballot. If the Council approves the resolution, it will appear on the November ballot in Havre.
