GA HB1276

Provides a new charter for the City of Richmond Hill in Bryan County, Georgia, reincorporating the city as a body politic and corporate with perpetual existence, repealing the previous charter approved May 10, 2005 (Ga. L. 2005, Act No. 377) and all amendments thereto.

Establishes a governing authority consisting of a mayor and four councilmembers, all serving four-year terms elected at-large in nonpartisan elections by simple majority, with the mayor limited to two consecutive terms and required to have been a city resident for at least 24 months prior to election.

Designates the mayor as chief executive officer with powers including veto authority (overridable by three councilmembers), appointment and removal of officers and department heads with council consent, budget preparation, and a tie-breaking vote on council matters.

Creates a Municipal Court presided over by judges who must be members of the State Bar of Georgia, with jurisdiction over charter and ordinance violations and authority to impose fines up to $1,000, imprisonment up to six months, or both.

Grants the city broad powers over taxation (ad valorem, occupation, and other taxes), bonding and borrowing, franchises (limited to 25-year terms), special assessments, eminent domain, planning and zoning, public utilities, and requires annual independent audits of all city accounts.