Charter Review Process

Charter Review

The Barnstable County Home Rule Charter includes a process for periodic review to help ensure that the County’s governing document continues to meet the needs of Cape Cod’s communities. The review process provides an opportunity to evaluate the Charter, consider potential amendments, and, when appropriate, submit proposed changes to the voters of Barnstable County.

This page explains how the Charter review process works, the different methods by which the Charter may be amended, and the role of the Charter Review Committee.

Why Is the Charter Review Important?

As mandated by Section 9-4 of the Home Rule Charter, Barnstable County conducts a comprehensive review of its charter every five years, in years ending in a five or a zero. This periodic review ensures that the county’s governance remains transparent, responsive, and effective in meeting the evolving needs of its residents. The review process allows for the assessment of the charter’s provisions and the consideration of potential amendments to improve county operations and services.

How the Charter Can Be Amended

The Barnstable County Home Rule Charter can be amended through two primary mechanisms: a Periodic Charter Review and the creation of a Charter Commission. Both processes ensure the Charter evolves with the needs of Cape Cod’s residents, but they follow distinct paths.

Periodic Charter Review (Every 5 Years)

• Mandated by the Charter to occur every five years in years.
• Initiated and led by the Assembly of Delegates, which forms a Charter Review Committee.
• The Committee studies the current Charter and recommends changes.
• If the changes do not involve the composition, mode of election, or term of the Board or Assembly, or the appointment of the administrator, the Assembly can approve the amendments by a 2/3 vote and submit the to the county’s voters for final approval by county-wide referendum.
• If the changes do involve officials’ composition, election, term, or appointment, the legislature must enact a special law approving a petition filed by the Assembly with the approval of the Board, followed by a county-wide referendum for final approval.

Charter Commission (By Referendum)

• A Charter Commission can be created outside the regular five-year cycle.
• Triggered by a resolution from either the Assembly of Delegates or the Board of Regional Commissioners.
• Voters decide in a county-wide referendum whether to form the Commission.
• If approved, one representative from each town is elected to serve on the Commission.
• The Commission has up to 18 months to review the Charter and propose changes.
• Proposed amendments go before the voters in a county-wide referendum.
• For amendments involving major structural changes, both majority approval and state legislative action may be required.

Purpose and Role of the Charter Review Committee

The Barnstable County Charter Review Committee is a temporary advisory body established by the Assembly of Delegates to conduct a comprehensive review of the County’s Home Rule Charter. Its purpose is to examine the effectiveness, clarity, and relevance of the Charter’s provisions in light of current governance needs. The committee evaluates potential improvements, considers input from County officials and the public, and ultimately prepares a set of recommendations for the Assembly to review. These recommendations may lead to proposed amendments aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, and the efficient operation of County government.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 Charter Review process prompted broader discussions about the future of Barnstable County government. As a result, County officials advanced a proposal to ask voters whether to establish an elected Charter Study Commission to conduct a comprehensive review of the Home Rule Charter.

If approved by voters, the Charter Study Commission would be an independent, elected body with one representative from each of Barnstable County’s 15 towns. The Commission would review the Charter, seek public input, and develop recommendations for voter consideration.

Learn more about the proposed 2026 Charter Study Commission →