Charter Review Commission

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Five members of the 2017 Saratoga Springs Charter Review Commission met recently to plan for a public information initiative for the Charter Referendum, which will be on the November 3 ballot. 

Voters will decide whether to change city government from a commission form to a structure with a six member ward-based city council, a city manager and a strengthened mayor. The “Charter Women” believe that city government will be more inclusive and responsive under the proposed system.

The proposed City of Saratoga Springs Charter amendment replaces the existing commissioner form of government with a more common form of city government. The abstract on the Nov. 3 ballot reads: “shall the Saratoga Springs City Charter be amended to provide for a City Council elected from six neighborhood wards of equal population, presided by a Mayor elected citywide, and for the appointment of a professional City Manager and other administrative officials accountable to the Council?” 

The common form is comprised of two main elements including City Council elected from six neighborhood Wards, presided by a Mayor elected citywide and a professional City Manager hired by and accountable to the Council.  Term limits are provided, with a maximum of six full two-year terms for Council members, and three full four-year terms for Mayor.

Balllston Spa Announces Free and Reduced Meal Policy

Ballston Spa Central School District announced this week a free and reduced price meal (Free Milk) policy for area school children. Local school officials have adopted the following family eligibility criteria to assist them in determining eligibility. More information can be found on the district website at www.bscsd.org/Page/229.