In November, residents overwhelmingly voted for an entirely new city charter. The 2-to-1 vote to adopt a new the city charter streamlines the language and eliminates outdated administrative procedures.
The newly adopted city charter outlines a Citizens’ Bill of Rights, provides for greater efficiency and transparency in government, and provides savings to tax payers.
The adopted charter opens with a Citizens’ Bill of Rights, 12 general points, which reflect the rights of Opa-locka residents. They service as a contract with the City of Opa-locka and guide the city’s responsibility to is residents. A summary of those 12 points are:
• Convenient access
• Truth in government
• Access to public record
• Minutes and ordinance register
• Citizens’ right to be heard • Right to notice of city hearings
• No unreasonable postponement in issues placed on the city agenda
• Right to public hearing
• Notice of action and reasons when asking about a city administrative decision
• Periodic reports from the city manager and city attorney
• A budget summary reflecting expenses from each department
• Quarterly budget comparison With the adoption of the new charter, all city boards have been de-commissioned.
With staff support, the city commission will decide which boards will exist in Opa-locka and the administrative function of each board.
To read the new, condensed city charter visit www.opalockafl.gov or call the City Clerk’s Office at (305) 688-4611.
