2025 7 31 Special Session Packet Website 1

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PROCESS SUMMARY: 
Step 1: 
Draft an Amendment that adds a new provision, either a new section  or complete modification 
to the section(s) that would be affected.   
S
tep 2:  
Pass a resolution formally requesting the state legislature to amend the private act (Charter) via a 
new Private Act. 
S
tep 3:  
Submit to state legislative delegation (State Representative Mark Cochran and State Senator 
Adam Lowe). They would then carry the request to the next session of the Tennessee General 
Assembly, where it must be filed and passed as a Private Act amending the Charter. 
S
tep 4: 
Some charter amendments may require ratification by a majority vote of City Council or by 
voters via referendum, depending on how the private act is worded.  
S
tep 5: 
Athens would set up election procedures for the new system with the McMinn County Election 
Commission. 
P
OSSIBLE TIMELINE: 
D
ue to the many steps in the process of amending the Charter it could take several months to 
ready the bill for legislative session in January 2026.  
• (August / September): Draft an Amendment to Article V.
• (September 16th): Pass a Resolution to officially request the Tennessee General 
Assembly to amend the City Charter via a new Private Act.
• (October): Submit to state legislative delegation. (deadline is typically in 
November)
• (January – March 2026): TN General Assembly
• (April – June 2026): Back to Council for ratification.