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GA HB1175
Bill
Status
Passed
7/29/2020
Primary Sponsor
Bill Hitchens
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AI Summary
- Replaces the existing charter of the City of Port Wentworth, Georgia (originally incorporated February 6, 1957), with a completely new charter establishing the city's governing structure, powers, and procedures
- Establishes a council-manager form of government with a mayor elected at-large for a four-year term and six councilmembers (four elected from districts, two at-large) also serving four-year staggered terms; the city manager serves as chief executive officer appointed by the city council
- Creates four election districts with initial elections for Districts 1 and 3 plus one at-large seat in November 2021, and Districts 2 and 4 plus one at-large seat in November 2023; elections are nonpartisan and decided by plurality vote
- Grants the city broad municipal powers including taxation, bonding, eminent domain, utility operation, zoning, police and fire protection, and environmental regulation; contracts exceeding $25,000 require competitive bidding and city council approval
- Establishes a Municipal Court with jurisdiction over city ordinance violations and state law offenses, with fines up to $1,000 and/or 30 days imprisonment; assigns the municipal court jurisdiction to hear and decide ethics complaints against city officials, with appeals to the Superior Court of Chatham County within 30 days
Legislative Description
Port Wentworth, City of; provide new charter
Last Action
Effective Date
7/29/2020
Full Bill Text
No bill text available