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PIERCE COUNTY CHARTER

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Article 1 -- POWERS OF THE COUNTY

The provisions of this Article allow the County the power to take any action not expressly forbidden by State Law, thus providing "home rule." It also maintains the name of Pierce, and Tacoma as the County seat.

Article 2 -- THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

A legislative branch of government is established that consists of a full-time, seven member County Council, nominated and elected by district on a partisan basis. This Article also grants the legislative branch specific powers, and establishes its organization and procedures. The procedures for adoption of ordinances and resolutions is also determined.

Article 3 -- THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH

This Article provides for the establishment of an Executive Branch of County government, consisting of an elected Executive, Assessor-Treasurer, Auditor, and Sheriff, and the executive departments of Clerk of the Superior Court and Coroner, and grants them administrative powers.

Article 4 -- ELECTIONS

Election procedures, qualifications for office, boundaries of Council districts, and provisions for redistricting based on the federal census are established. Also established are procedures for filling vacancies, terms of office, and limitations on consecutive terms in office.

Article 5 -- THE PUBLIC INTEREST

This article grants the people of Pierce County the rights of initiative, referendum, recall and agenda petition, and establishes the procedures for their use. Also established is the position of filing officer.

Article 6 -- FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION

Established in this Article are the procedures for financial planning through the requirements of a six-year plan and a comprehensive budget. The procedures for the preparation and presentation of the budget, and the provisions for appropriations are also included.

Article 7 -- PERSONNEL SYSTEM

This Article mandates a personnel system with limited exemptions. Also required is a personnel board to oversee the administration of the system.

Article 8 -- CHARTER REVIEW AND AMENDMENT

Provisions for Charter review, amendment, and repeal are established. Also set forth are procedures for electing a Charter Review Commission including terms of office and filling of vacancies.

Article 9 -- GENERAL PROVISIONS

This Article provides for concerns not covered elsewhere including those governing purchasing, the granting of franchises, efficiency, public disclosure, veterans' policy, an ethics code and commission, nondiscrimination, information management, and eminent domain.

Article 10 -- TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS

Included in this Article are provisions for the transition between the Commissioner form of government and the new government under the Charter. These provisions include establishing initial Council districts, providing for elections and terms of office, the setting of initial salaries, continuation of ordinances, vested rights, County employees, current boards and commissions, and the County budget. Also established are the dates by which Charter mandated ordinances must be adopted by the Council.