NC H154

Revises and consolidates the charter of the City of Gastonia under a council-manager form of government with a mayor and six-member city council elected from designated wards.

Establishes staggered four-year council terms with council members from Wards 1, 2, and 5 elected in 2017 and members from Wards 3, 4, and 6 elected in 2019; mayor elected every two years beginning in November 2017.

Authorizes the city council to delegate to the city manager authority to award and execute contracts, approve settlements up to specified monetary limits, and appoint other administrative officers and employees.

Preserves existing local provisions regarding the Board of Alcoholic Beverage Control (five members with three-year overlapping terms), city property leasing authority (up to 15 years), and fair housing protections.

Repeals Section 1 of Chapter 557 of the 1991 Session Laws and Section 2 of Chapter 320 of the 1995 Session Laws while preserving all existing city ordinances and resolutions consistent with the new charter.