GA HB1341

Replaces the sole commissioner form of government in Pickens County, Georgia, with a Board of Commissioners, effective January 1, 2013, with first elections held at the November 2012 general election.

Requires a two-question referendum at the November 2010 general election: Question 1 asks whether to change from a sole commissioner to a multi-member board; Question 2 asks voters to choose between a 3-member board (Option 1) or a 5-member board with a county manager (Option 2).

Under Option 1, the board consists of a full-time at-large chairperson (paid equal to the highest-paid elected county officer plus $1,200/year) and two part-time district commissioners paid $10,200/year each; under Option 2, the board consists of a part-time at-large chairperson paid $13,200/year, four part-time district commissioners paid $10,200/year each, and a full-time appointed county manager with a bachelor's degree and four years of management experience.

Commissioners must post a $10,000 surety bond, hold at least one regular evening meeting and one work session per month open to the public, and conduct all meetings under Robert's Rules of Order; the chairperson may vote only when the vote would affect the outcome.

The board assumes all powers of the former sole commissioner, including levying taxes, authorizing debt, enacting ordinances, zoning authority, and budget adoption, and must hire a certified public accountant for annual audits with no firm serving more than four consecutive years.