House Bill 2645, also known as Senate Bill 2717, proposes a comprehensive overhaul of the City of Martin's governance by repealing the existing charter from 1992 and instituting a new charter. This new charter delineates the structure and powers of the city government, including the roles of the mayor and aldermen, the election process, and the management of city affairs. Key features of the bill include the establishment of three wards, the election of a mayor and aldermen for four-year terms, and the authority for the board to enact ordinances governing various city functions. It also sets forth qualifications for candidates and voters, as well as procedures for filling vacancies in elected positions.

The bill further defines the roles of city officials, including a city manager, city recorder, city attorney, and city judge, with the city manager responsible for the administration of city government and reporting to the board. The city manager will supervise employees, manage contracts, and prepare the budget, while the city recorder will handle financial functions and record-keeping. The bill emphasizes competitive bidding for city contracts, outlines merit-based hiring practices, and allows the board to adopt general laws applicable to municipalities. It is designed to modernize the governance structure and enhance operational efficiency, taking effect upon a two-thirds vote of the legislative body.