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Writer's pictureCenter for Local Policy Analysis (CLPA)

Inside the 2024 Ballot: Question A - County Charter Change Referendum (Charles County, Maryland)

Updated: Oct 14

Voters in Charles County, Maryland, will have to make a choice on November 5th that will fundamentally shift how their government operates. They will have to decide whether to retain the home rule system they currently use in the county or change to a charter government. Before making this decision, it is important to understand the key differences between these two systems, how the government will change, and what new elected positions will be created under the proposed charter government.




Why is Charles County Voting on this Change?


Last year, the Board of Commissioners created a Charter Board to design this new form of government. The objective was to create a structure with clearer lines of accountability by having an executive branch, led by the County Executive, and a legislative branch, represented by the County Council. Supporters of charter government argue that this structure would improve efficiency, transparency, and oversight in county operations. Critics of the proposed Charter Government change argue that it will increase local government costs, centralize executive power, and potentially impact public safety services, leading to higher taxes and susceptibility to special interests.


What is the difference between a Code Home Rule System and A Charter Government?


In a Code Home Rule system, counties generally need General Assembly approval to enact new taxes, license fees, and tax credits. However, they can establish impact fees and civil infractions within certain limits. State authorization is required for most fiscal matters, including new taxes, impact fees, and establishing separate police departments.


The Charter system, on the other hand, provides more autonomy and does not require General Assembly approval for certain actions, including tax credits and impact fees. Charter counties also follow formal legislative processes defined by their charter and can independently determine the number of council members and election methods.


Key Changes: Code Home Rule vs. Charter Government


  • Code Home Rule: Under the current system, five County Commissioners serve both legislative and executive functions. These commissioners can hold other employment and are elected at-large.

  • Charter Government: If adopted, the government would shift to a system with an elected County Executive who would manage the executive functions, while a County Council would handle legislative responsibilities. The County Executive cannot hold other employment, but County Council members would be permitted to do so.

 

Maryland Counties with Charter Governments


If approved, Charles County would join several other Maryland counties already operating under charter government. These counties include:


  • Anne Arundel County

  • Baltimore City

  • Baltimore County

  • Cecil County

  • Dorchester County

  • Frederick County

  • Harford County

  • Howard County

  • Montgomery County

  • Prince George’s County

  • Talbot County

  • Wicomico County


These counties benefit from a clear separation of executive and legislative powers, which proponents argue increases accountability, efficiency, and local control over government functions.


What New Positions Would the Charter Create?


Adopting the 2024 Charles County Charter would create several new positions. These key roles include:


County Executive


The major change under the proposed charter is the creation of an elected County Executive, who would serve as the chief executive officer of the county. This position would be responsible for:


  • Executing and enforcing county laws

  • Managing the daily operations of county government

  • Preparing the county’s budget for submission to the County Council

  • Representing the county in interactions with other governments, agencies, and the business community

  • Vetoing legislation passed by the County Council, with some restrictions


The County Executive would be prohibited from holding other full-time employment while in office.


Inspector General


Another critical new position is the Inspector General, whose primary role is to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance with ethical and fiscal standards within the county government. The Inspector General would:


  • Oversee internal audits and investigations

  • Review the effectiveness of county programs and operations

  • Detect and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse within the government


This role would serve as an independent watchdog for county operations, answering to both the County Executive and the public.


Chief Administrative Officer


The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) would be appointed by the County Executive to assist in managing the day-to-day functions of the county government. Responsibilities would include:


  • Implementing policies set by the County Executive

  • Coordinating the activities of county departments and agencies

  • Overseeing the administration of the county budget


Deputy Inspector General/Auditor


The Deputy Inspector General would support the work of the Inspector General, particularly in conducting audits, monitoring compliance with laws and policies, and recommending improvements to ensure the effectiveness of county operations.


Executive Support Staff

To assist the County Executive in managing the government, various support positions would be created, including:

  • Public Information Officer

  • Special Assistant to the County Executive

  • County Attorneys


These roles would provide critical administrative and legal support to ensure that the County Executive’s office runs efficiently and effectively.


County Attorney


The County Attorney would serve as the chief legal advisor to the County Executive, County Council, and other county officials. This position would be responsible for representing Charles County in legal matters, assisting in reviewing legislation, contracts, and ensuring compliance with the law.


What Happens If the Charter is Approved?


If voters approve the charter, the transition to a new government structure will begin on January 1, 2025. The first elections for the County Executive and County Council members would take place on November 3, 2026, with the newly elected officials assuming office on December 1, 2026. Until then, the county will continue to operate under its current code home rule system.


What If the Charter is Rejected?


If the charter is rejected, Charles County will remain under its current form of government, with no significant changes to the structure or positions. The County Commissioners will continue to perform both legislative and executive duties.


Important Election Dates and Timeline


As Election Day approaches, here are key dates to keep in mind:

  • Voter Registration Deadline: October 15, 2024

  • Early Voting: October 24–October 31, 2024 (7 AM to 8 PM)

  • Mail-in Ballot Deadline: Request by October 29, 2024

  • Election Day: November 5, 2024 (Polls close at 8 PM)

 

 

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