[HISTORY: Approved by a majority of the qualified voters
of the City of Saratoga Springs at referendum 11-6-2001. Amendments noted where applicable.]
Preamble
Established as a City in 1915, Saratoga Springs has a rich and
unique heritage. Residents and visitors cherish the beauty and history
of the City and its diverse surroundings.
The citizens of Saratoga Springs freely offer their energies,
ideas, and time to the City. As stewards of Saratoga Springs' wellbeing,
they express their commitment by proactively ensuring that this is
a special place to live, work, play, and raise families.
This Charter:
Describes a government its citizens can understand, and welcomes
participation and cooperation to continue its tradition of being accountable
to the people Respects the shared commitment to protect the area's
natural beauty and open spaces while promoting thoughtful and progressive
development Honors the community's past and present successes while
judiciously permitting needed change.
Statement of Purpose
This Charter provides the legal framework for operating the
government in the City of Saratoga Springs. It is the legal document
that governs the operation of the City. The purpose of this Charter
is to help the public servants and citizens of Saratoga Springs identify
and meet City needs as they evolve. The Charter clarifies goals and
requirements for City officials, and provides sufficient flexibility
to adapt to future needs and opportunities. This Charter has been
crafted to:
Provide elected and appointed officials with tools and resources
to perform their duties effectively
Define clearly the duties and responsibilities of City officials
Provide citizens with access to timely, accurate, and complete information
about City business and City finances
Develop a comprehensive process for preparing and administering
City budgets, and for the inventory, management, financing, and replacement
of the City infrastructure
Deliver City programs and services efficiently, affordably,
and cost-effectively
Encourage opportunities for cooperation, and reduce potential
for conflict, among City offices and between the City and other governmental
entities
Enhance and improve the quality of long-range planning and implementation
of City plans
Create frameworks for performing important functions that previous
Charters could not foresee
Unify City grant and loan applications and management
Promote government efficiency in programs and services Require
regular reviews of important City plans, including this Charter.