Government Study Commission

  1. Operation of a GSC
    Once elected, the members of the government study commission serve as representatives of the community at large in examining the current local government, considering alternatives, reaching decisions on how the local government might best be run, and presenting their recommendations to the voters. The process is a local process; although outside help is available, local citizens do the bulk of the work, and the decisions reached are their responsibility. The process is also a citizen process. The commissioners are elected by the citizens and are to conduct their affairs with the maximum feasible public involvement and discussion.  The role of the government study commission has been summed up very aptly by the Ferguson Township Government Study Commission.
    • To conduct an in-depth study of municipal government.
    • To review procedures and inter-relationships of different parts of government so as to discover weaknesses or defects.
    • To look outside the municipality to discover improved practices that might be applied and adopted.
    • To evolve from its studies an arrangement for better government.
    • Upon the development of the major elements to set them down in a clear, logical and consistent recommendation.
    • To conduct its affairs in a manner which will win the respect of the citizens and educate and stimulate citizens groups and officials to get the Charter adopted.
    • Membership in a Study Commission does not necessarily imply expertness. Wisdom, practical judgment and amateur enthusiasm are as fundamental to a successful Commission as are legal, social and political expertise.
  2. Role of the GSC
    • Dedication and commitment will determine impact.
    • Decisions and recommendations will have long term influence on the community for years to come
    • Charged with the task of
    • Goal
      • Modern government structure
      • Able to assume all the powers available
      • Organized in a manner necessary to
        • Maintain democracy
        • Efficiency
      • Economical and progressive to meet the needs of the community
    • Must hold at least one public hearing
      • In the beginning for public input
      • Prior to recommendation decision
      • Once the final recommendation is drafted
    • Draft a final report with recommendations within 9 months
  3. Duties
    • The first step is orientation. This includes the organization meeting, learning powers and duties, working out a budget and planning the work
    • The second step is to decide a direction –optional plan or no change. Testing public opinion through public hearings, citizen questionnaires or sample surveys may precede this decision.
    • The fourth step is drafting a report. This may involve retaining local government experts or legal counsel.
    • The fifth step is review and public discussion on the report. This usually involves public hearings for citizen input, meeting with officials, submission to legal or local government experts and review by the members themselves.
    • The sixth step is writing the final report, printing and proofreading the report, and submitting the report to the municipal secretary and the voters.
    • The final step is the period of voter education up to the time of the referendum. The commission has a duty to maximize public information and discussion on its work. It is not finally discharged until after the referendum.
  4. Funding the GSC is the responsibility of the local governing body and must be approved
    • Spend wisely and provide accurate records
      • The Home Rule Law requires the final report of the commission to include a sworn statement by the members listing in detail the funds, goods, materials and services, both public and private, used by the commission in the discharge of its duties
      • Sample budget items
        • Consultant
        • Advertising
        • Website
        • Promotions/Printing/Postage
        • Administrative/Recording Secretary
        • Legal Fees
        • Administrative fees
  5. Record Keeping
    • Major concern
      • Provide means for record-keeping materialAccuracy is important
      • All records when GSC is complete are turned over the local government
  6. Public Relations
    • Communication is a critical element to the GSC activities
    • Encourage attendance at meetingsSurvey monkey
    • Public forums and/or hearings encourage more participation
      • Invite guest speakers from other local governments
      • Plan the presentation
      • Meet the public
  7. Final Report
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