(2/24) Emmitsburg's Board of Commissioners voted Monday to create a Charter and Ballot Question Review Committee to evaluate charter-related issues in the town.

The committee of five members will be appointed by the mayor and approved by commissioners. Committee members will hold their positions for two years without compensation.

Members will make recommendations to the mayor and town commissioners on town matters referred to them by the board on a unanimous vote, and prepare a proposal for a written ballot question for the next election.

Board President Bill O'Neil, who authored the legislation, has said the debate about the town's founding date is an example of one issue he thinks should be referred to the new committee.

The Charter Committee could conduct public hearings on matters and draft a ballot question so town residents would be able to vote on issues.

A copy of the ordinance creating the committee is on the town's Web site at www.emmitsburgmd.gov.

Residents interested in seeking a position on the committee should send a letter of interest and resume to the attention of Mayor James Hoover at the Town Hall, P.O. Box 990, 300A S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg, MD 21727.