GA HB1248

Establishes a new charter for the City of Cordele, Georgia (Crisp County), replacing the previous charter approved April 28, 1969, and reincorporating the city as a body politic and corporate with perpetual succession

Creates a city commission form of government composed of a chairperson elected citywide and four commission members elected from wards, all serving four-year terms, with a 12-month residency requirement; the chairperson may vote only to break ties and holds veto power over ordinances, which can be overridden by three commission votes

Requires appointment of a city manager as chief executive and administrative officer, serving on an at-will basis with a contract not exceeding three years, responsible for hiring/firing city employees, preparing budgets, and directing all city departments

Establishes a Municipal Court with jurisdiction over charter and ordinance violations, authority to impose fines up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment up to 180 days, and sets judge qualifications at age 21 with appointment by the city commission

Sets a property tax millage rate cap of 20 mills per dollar of assessed valuation for general purposes, authorizes general obligation and revenue bonds, and requires an annual independent audit of all city accounts by a certified public accountant selected by the commission