MEIGS — City of Meigs officials discussed the city’s charter — again — but made steps to possibly amend the governing document in place since the 1970s. 

Council member Jimmy Layton raised his concerns with the charter. 

“We need to bring it up (to date),” Layton said of the charter. 

City Attorney Tom Lehman said he began working on a draft for a new charter two months ago. 

“My suggestion is to have it in place in November,” Lehman said, in order to be able to pass the council-approved charter to the state legislature.  

Lehman added smaller cities and communities typically have a standard municipal charter in place. 

State law, such as elections being conducted in odd numbered years, has changed since the current charter was established, according to Lehman. 

Council member Lizzie Battle questioned the cost of drafting a new charter. 

Lehman, also the attorney for the City of Cairo, gave a $2,000-$2,500 price estimate. Lehman crafted the Cairo charter for $3,000. 

Changing the number of council members or at-large or council members by districts were different suggestions towards a new charter discussed. 

“Those are things you have a choice about,” Lehman said. 

After discussion, Lehman said he could draft a new charter and present it to the council to review at the June meeting. 

The council gave census for the drafted charter. 

Other action and discussion: 

•Approval to solicit bids for new commercial stove for Meigs Community Center.  

•Approval to purchase new computer for mayor.  

•Update on the 2018 comprehensive plan. Public hearings are set for May 18 and 25, 6:30 p.m., Meigs Community Center. 

•The City of Meigs received three applications for the part-time city manager position. 

•The city received two bids for flooring repair at the community center and is anticipating receiving a third. 

•Battle updated the council on the success of a recent spring festival event. 

•The monthly police and water reports also were discussed. 

Reporter Jordan Barela can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1826.