Title
Receive public comment on the reapportionment alternative plans for Chatham County Board of Commissioner residency districts and vote to set a public hearing for September 18, 2023, during the Chatham County Board of Commissioners' regular meeting beginning at 6:00 p.m., to receive comments on the reapportionment preferred plan for Chatham County Board of Commissioner residency districts.
Abstract
Introduction & Background: During its regular meeting on May 15, 2023, the Board of Commissioners received a presentation overviewing the various and relevant aspects of residency redistricting processes and requirements for the Board's consideration and direction to staff.
Information, such as the following, was offered the Board through the noted presentation:
* Jurisdictions, like Chatham, with "residency districts", are not required to conduct a study and redefine district boundaries following the federal census.
* Through Session Law, the State General Assembly has authorized the Chatham County Board of Commissioners to change the boundaries of its residency districts if it finds that there is "substantial inequality of population among the districts."
* The Session Law specifies that the test for compliance in the County's redistricting is to accomplish a "reduction in the relative overall range of deviation" among the residency districts.
* The Board may adopt a resolution adjusting the districts following a public hearing on the proposed redistricting plan.
* The resolution fixing the boundaries must be adopted at least 150 days before the day of the following primary.
o The primary election is scheduled for March 5, 2024
o 150 days before the primary election is October 7, 2023
The Board offered direction to staff establishing parameters for developing alternative redistricting plans. These parameters include the following:
* Contiguity
* Recognizing communities of interest (i.e., precincts, municipal boundaries, physical features like road...
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