Hagerstown Seeks Residents for Charter Review Committee

The City of Hagerstown is actively seeking applications from its residents to serve on a newly formed Charter Review Committee. This committee will undertake a comprehensive examination of the city’s foundational governing document, with the goal of ensuring its continued relevance, clarity, and effectiveness in light of evolving legal requirements and community priorities. The deadline for submitting applications is August 13, 2026.

A municipal charter serves as the constitution for a city, dictating its structure, powers, and operational procedures. Over time, as state laws change, administrative practices adapt, and community needs shift, certain provisions within a charter can become outdated or inconsistent. The Charter Review Committee’s work is designed to identify these areas and propose necessary updates. The scope of their review will encompass the entire charter, focusing on clarity and consistency, as well as identifying any provisions that may conflict with current state legislation. Furthermore, the committee will evaluate the existing governance structure, including the roles and authorities of various city bodies, and consider contemporary best practices in municipal governance. A crucial aspect of the committee’s mandate will be to solicit and integrate public input throughout the review process.

The Charter Review Committee will consist of seven voting members, all of whom must be residents of Hagerstown. In addition to the voting members, two non-voting members from the City Council will also be appointed. The term for committee members will begin on September 1, 2026, and conclude on August 31, 2027. Participants should anticipate dedicating between six to twelve months to this project, which will involve a series of key phases. These phases include an initial organizational meeting, opportunities for public engagement, the development of draft recommendations, and the final presentation of findings and proposals to the Mayor and City Council. Consistent attendance at meetings is deemed essential for the committee’s success, and absences will require formal excuse from Mayor William McIntire.

To facilitate broad community involvement, public engagement efforts may include organized public meetings, listening sessions, and workshops designed to inform residents about the charter and the review process. The City will ensure that all meetings are meticulously recorded, and public hearings will be broadcast on television and streamed online. Additionally, a dedicated section on the City’s website will be established to allow residents to submit comments and feedback throughout the review period. Upon completion of its comprehensive review and the integration of public feedback, the committee is tasked with submitting a formal report to the Mayor and City Council. This report will detail all recommended amendments to the charter, provide the underlying rationale for each proposed change, and summarize the public input gathered.

Residents interested in applying can find application forms on the City of Hagerstown’s official website at https://www.hagerstownmd.org/1896/Charter-Review-Committee, or they can pick up a physical copy at City Hall, located at 1 E. Franklin Street. For further inquiries or additional information regarding the application process or the committee’s responsibilities, individuals can contact Donna K. Spickler, the City Clerk, by phone at 301-739-8577, extension 113, or at 301-766-4183, or via email at dspickler@hagerstownmd.org. Applications must be submitted to the City Clerk, either electronically or in hard copy, by the stated deadline of August 13, 2026.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the City of Hagerstown

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