A board has suggested that Washington County switch from a commissioner form of government to a charter home rule form. Some highlights of the draft charter:
· A county council would have five members at first, then seven members starting in 2010. Five would run in districts and two would run at large.
· The first council would be the five sitting county commissioners.
· Council members would serve four-year terms.
· The council "may enact public local laws for the peace, good government, health, safety or welfare of the County."
·The council would appoint a chief administrative officer, a county attorney and a clerk of the council. The county would have a finance director, too.
The county's charter board has more information about home rule at www.charterboard.org.
