SB 243 Summary

• Completely replaces the Village of Ardencroft Charter with a new charter effective July 1, 2024, establishing an open town meeting form of government called the "Village Assembly"

• Redefines "eligible voter" to mean residents age 18 or older who have resided in the Village for 30 consecutive days and currently reside there for the majority of the calendar year, explicitly including renters and leaseholders

• Reduces minimum required regular Village Assembly meetings from 6 to 4 per year, allows virtual meetings, and opens all meetings to the public including non-eligible voters

• Establishes three elected officers (Chair, Secretary, Treasurer) with 1-2 year terms, plus committees including a Registration Committee for voter registration and elections, and a Coordinating Committee for budget recommendations

• Removes all provisions concerning a town police force from the prior charter and affirms village values including direct democracy, common land ownership, environmental stewardship, diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity