Chatham Charter Review Committee Opens Public Hearings on Town Governance

CHATHAM -- February 6, 2020, Chatham launches its mandated five-year Charter review with a new seven-member citizen committee. The Charter Review Committee, appointed by the Board of Selectmen, opened a public hearing series February 6 to gather input from residents and town employees on whether Chatham's governing document, an 18-page charter that sets out government structure and the annual budget process, requires any amendments. The committee stressed the review does not presuppose problems, comparing it to a routine annual physical, and noted the Charter itself requires the review after five years have elapsed. Town Clerk Julie Smith's downtown office and the town website both offer copies of the document. Any amendments the committee ultimately drafts would require approval at a future Town Meeting.