Background

Orange County voters adopted our County Charter in 1986.  It is our county constitution.  We determine our government structure within limits set by the State Constitution and law.

Section 702 of the Charter requires the Board of County Commissioners to appoint a Charter Review Commission (CRC) every four years.   The CRC members, who are between 11 and 15 county volunteers, study many parts of the county government. 

The CRC cannot change the Charter.  Instead, it decides what questions, if any, to put on the ballot.  These questions offer changes to the Charter.  The CRC prepares a report, including financial statements, at least 60 days before the election.  Voters decide if the suggested changes will be made. 

The CRC holds at least four public hearings.  At these hearings, the CRC receives recommendations about new ballot questions from a variety of people. These people are county officials and staff, county officers, municipal officials, members of the public and other interested parties.

Orange County Charter (As revised Nov 2008)

Attachments:

Orange County Charter Election History 1986 through 2008	461 Kb
Charter 2008	247 Kb
Ordinance No. 2000-18-Preservation District	211 Kb
Ordinance 96-40 Commissioners' salaries	41 Kb
Orange County Charter (As revised Nov 2008)	362 Kb