Local Government Study

The Study Commission held their final meeting on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following the approval. 

Members

  • Saundra Alessi
  • Nathan Dugan
  • Kevin McDowell
  • Dakota Whitman
  • Scott Wurster

About

The Local Government Study was approved by the voters to elect a Study Commission to evaluate the existing structure of government and compare it to alternative structures under the state law and propose changes, if warranted, to the local electorate for adoption. 

The Study Commission will decide when and how often they want to meet, and how they want public engagement to look like. All meetings of the Study Commission must adhere to open meeting laws, so residents will have the opportunity to attend in-person and provide comment at any scheduled meetings of the Commission. 

The estimated cost to perform this study is $21,445.00. This includes the cost of two citywide elections, notices for public meetings and hearing of the study commission, the publication of a final report by the study commission, and administrative support from City staff. 

The Study Commission held a public hearings on July 2, 2025 to adopt the Tentative Report; and on August 6, 2025 to adopt the Final Report. The Final Report proposes no changes to the City Charter, but does offer recommendations to the City Council outlined in Appendix B of the Final Report.