11-09.1-02. Charter commission - Membership - Preparation and submission of charter - Compensation and expenses - Publication

11-09.1-02. Charter commission - Membership - Preparation and submission of charter - Compensation and expenses - Publication. Within sixty days after proceedings have been initiated for a home rule charter, the board of county commissioners shall appoint a charter commission, comprised of at least five members, to draft the charter, unless a petition proposing a charter pursuant to section 11-09.1-01 prescribes the composition of the commission or the manner by which the composition of the commission is to be determined. The board shall designate one of the charter commission members as chairman of the charter commission. The board shall set the compensation and expenses of charter commission members. Actual expenses incurred by charter commission members may be reimbursed at the official reimbursement rates of the appointing authority. The board, from its general funds, may furnish the charter commission with office space, clerical help, supplies, and legal and other assistance. The charter commission shall hold at least one public hearing on the proposed charter and may use other suitable means to disseminate information, receive suggestions and comments, and encourage public discussion of the proposed charter. The commission shall prepare and submit the charter to the board of county commissioners within one year after appointment, unless the board allows additional time for submission of the charter. The charter must contain a list of county offices to be elected and any elected offices that will be eliminated or combined if the charter is adopted. The board of county commissioners shall publish the proposed charter once in the official newspaper of the county.