The city has from time to time amended the Charter. In some cases, an amendment requires a vote of the General Assembly, but in others there is a process whereby the city can invoke Home Rule Powers and pass an amendment without needing approval from the General Assembly.
The former method was used in 2000/2001 when the city amended the Charter to extend mayor and Council terms to four years from two and stagger terms, among other changes. The latter was used in 2008 to amend the maximum fine from $500 to $1,000.
