This part covers the current General Assembly system, Ophir's existing form of government. If you are coming from the Governance Options Primer for Community Deliberations, this section contains the expanded record behind the General Assembly summary in that document. Section 3 contains the committee's findings on how the current system operates in practice. Section 4 identifies structural questions that would need to be addressed in any reform process.
The General Assembly is Ophir's current form of municipal government. It is a direct democracy in which registered GA members vote directly on municipal decisions rather than delegating authority to elected representatives.
The charter establishes this structure explicitly. It states: "This Charter is intended to be as simple and brief as possible, while including all the necessary and legal provisions for governance. This has been achieved by assuming the broadest powers available, and vesting them in a General Assembly of the People."
The charter further identifies the governing intent as municipal self-determination, autonomy from outside authorities, and protection of natural resources and the environment.
Under this system, legislative authority is vested in the General Assembly as a whole. Elected officials, including the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, Town Clerk, and Town Treasurer, perform defined administrative and procedural functions. They do not hold independent policy-making authority between GA meetings. The Town Manager is responsible for day-to-day administration and implementation of GA decisions.
GA membership requires voter registration with the Town Clerk and separate registration to participate in the General Assembly. Membership is distinct from eligibility to vote in state and county elections. Approximately 150 registered GA members were recorded as of late 2025.
Any registered GA member may attend monthly meetings, participate in deliberation, and vote on matters before the assembly, including ordinances, contracts, and the annual budget. Decisions are made collectively in public meetings rather than through a standing council or board.
The current charter was adopted in 1979 and amended in 2000 and 2015. It has remained Ophir's governing structure throughout that period.