Gray town councilors discussed the creation of a charter commission, which would focus on reviewing a town charter several council members claimed was outdated.

A charter commission, under Maine law, is responsible for reviewing a town charter, evaluating potential changes, and making recommendations to be voted on by residents. Commission members will be elected by voters.

Town Council Chair Vincent Palange said the idea of revising the charter was partially motivated by the discovery, when the town was separating from a previous town manager, that parts of the contract with the manager would be overridden by the charter. Councilor Michael Johnson, who served as chair during the early discussions about the charter commission, said there were a number of items in the current charter that are not up to date.

Palange said the town was looking to “reassess” the charter, and said the proposed changes would not be drastic, but do require the establishment of a commission, which will consist of seven members, who will be elected in November. While the Town Council will have requests for the commission, ultimately, Palange said, it would be up to the commission to decide what changes are made. Any changes would go to vote in June 2027.

While the Town Council voted unanimously in favor of pursuing a charter commission, there were questions from some members as to the scope of the commission and what it would focus on. Councilor Judy Simoneau asked Town Clerk Britt Barton what changes the town was seeking, and said she didn’t want to set up a commission just to solve clerical issues.

Councilor Anne Gass said the charter hadn’t been opened in a long time, and there were changes that needed to be discussed, but said it would be helpful to get a broad estimate of the legal costs of opening up the charter.

Barton said once the charter commission is established, it will hold public hearings, where Gray residents, including council members, will be allowed to voice their opinions.

Barton said one of the most consistent discussions was regarding the town holding an in-person town meeting should the municipal budget fail at the ballot, and whether that should be abolished. Gass brought up a charter requirement stating the town manager must live in Gray unless the council permits otherwise.