The city of Fort Oglethorpe Charter Study Committee, which was established by House Resolution 1027 and Senate Resolution 693 to review "the validity of and potential changes to the city charter," will name 14 committee members and release a schedule of open community meetings within the next few weeks, officials said Tuesday.
The panel was launched after the Fort Oglethorpe City Council abruptly dismissed City Manager Ron Goulart, Police Chief David Eubanks and Public Works Director Jeff Long.
“This is an opportunity for citizens to express their concerns and work with the study committee to review the city charter and potential changes regarding leadership and operations,” said Senator Jeff Mullis (R – Chickamauga), who sponsored SR 693 in the Georgia State Senate.
“We want to make sure the citizens of Fort Oglethorpe are protected from governmental abuses and that responsible parties are held accountable for their wasteful or embarrassing actions. The purpose of reviewing the City of Fort Oglethorpe’s charter is to ensure a good government that is responsive to the needs of its citizens,” said Rep. Tom Weldon (R – Ringgold), sponsor of HR 1027.
Fort Oglethorpe business owner Steven Cooper has been selected to serve as chairman of the study committee. The remaining positions on the study committee have been chosen by the legislative delegation and will be announced in the next few days. The committee includes registered voters, verified city residents and business owners. Committee members will serve without compensation or reimbursement.
The city of Fort Oglethorpe Charter Study Committee will publicly report its findings and recommendations no later than Dec. 31.