Charter of Atrus

[Harald 2875]

 

Charter of Atrus

9th of Peter’s Glory, 9. B.A

 

 

 

Table of Context

I. The City Council

   I.I The Minister-In-Council

   I.II The Censory

   I.III The Procurator

   I.IV The City Secretary

II. Stewardship

III. Taxation

IV. Ministerial Elections 

V. Checks and Balances

 

 

 

I. The City Council

The city Council is the working organs of Atrus, together they shall ensure the growth and security of our people and the city itself. Therefore the city council is expected to meet at the minimum of Once each second year as well as keep the Senechal of Balian informed of their offices respectable duties. 

 

I.I. The Minister-In-Council;

The Minister wields full authority over the governance of the City and its internal affairs, overridden only by the Grand Duke and Seneschal. He directs the city council in their various individual capacities, and is overall responsible for the maintenance of the Capital. He may also appoint additional stewards. Appointed by open election of the Balian Citizens. 

 

I.II. The Censory;

The Censory is designated with authority over the stewardship of the Grand Duchy, including the Capital. In times of emergency, he may override the Minister with the permission of the Grand Duke or Seneschal. Otherwise, the Censor is the Minister’s second on matters of the City’s governance. He appoints additional stewards of the City, and administers the Ministerial Elections.

 

I.III. The Procurator;

The Procurator is the foremost accountant and economist of the City. He manages the finances and administers the tax offices. He is charged with the maintenance of the City ledger and distributing the salaries to the various offices under the employment of the City. Appointed by the Seneschal.

 

I.IV. The City Secretary;

The City Council’s scribe. He issues notices of eviction, and assists in drafting amendments to any piece of the Charter. He also drafts any other necessary acts or declarations decided by the Council. Appointed by the Minister.

 

I.V. The Elected Tribunes;

The Elected Tribunes are people elected by the people. These people shall ensure and aid the City Council and Minister in their actions. They shall also ensure that The Minister does not commit crimes against the crown, as well as having to pass any changes the Minister wishes to do when it comes to laws.

 

 

 

 

II. Stewardship

II.I. The sale of houses may be performed only by the Minister, Censor, and the stewards of the City, who are selected by the Minister or Censor.

 

II.II. Only the Minister or Censor may authorize evictions.

 

II.III. A person may only own two properties in the City, unless they are a Burgher.

 

II.IV. The management of the City’s primary tavern shall be subsidiary to the Stewardship of the city.

 

II.V. Alterations and renovations to  any publicly owned buildings or exterior roads, walls, fences, and otherwise may only be performed with the approval of the Censor or Minister.

 

III. Taxation .

The following groups find themselves exempt of taxation: The Church, The Brotherhood of Balian, Ducal sanctioned militaries, and civil servants (such as Stewards) who do not receive a bunk as part of their pay.

Disputes regarding taxation shall be heard via formal complaint filed by the malcontent citizen, addressed to the City Council.

 

 

 

 

IV. Ministerial & Tribune Elections 

IV.I. In order to run for Minister or Tribune, one must fulfill the same requirements as an eligible voter.

 

IV.II. The Minister, once elected, may reorganize the City Council and appoint or remove the City Clerk and Stewardry.

 

IV.III. The following requirements constitute one as a full citizen of Atrus, eligible to vote and to run for Minister.

 

IV.IV. Living in a legally owned house, as a tenant of the owner or the proprietor. Alternatively, civil servants given lodgings as part of their compensation qualify for this requirement.

 

    IV.IV.I It must be noted that any civil servant without a privately owned residence is required to serve at least one year before they are eligible to vote or run for  Minister.

 

    IV.IV.II. Having full Citizenship, issued only by the Office of Censor.

 

    IV.IV.III. Must be over the legal age of eighteen summers.

 

 

V. Checks and Balances

V.I. If fifteen legal citizens of Atrus sign a petition requesting the resignation of any civil servant, including the Minister, and excluding ducally-appointed positions, and the subject of the petition refuses to resign, they may be compelled by Ducal Writ to present themselves in court for a lawful impeachment, ruled on by an appointed Justice.

 

V.II. If fifteen legal citizens of Atrus sign a petition requesting the Council to cease and desist on any particular matter or action, from taxation to stewardship to security, the matter may be called to court by Ducal Writ, where an appointed Justice may rule.

Any subsection of the Charter of Atrus may be amended by a simple majority of the Ducal Council. The entire Charter may only be reformed at Ducal discretion.. 

 

 

IN NOMINE DEI,

His Imperial Highness, John I, by the Grace of God, Grand Duke of Balian, Lord of Monterosa and Atrus, Prince of the Holy Orenian Empire, etcetera

 

His Highness, Leopold Alstion, Prince of Alstion, The Seneschal of Balian

 

His Excellency, Sir Rev Vuiller, The Count of Aquilea, Censor of Balian