GA HB1579

Reincorporates the City of Woodland in Talbot County, Georgia, under a new charter effective July 1, 2022, replacing the original 1908 incorporation act and all its amendments

Establishes a governing authority consisting of a mayor and five councilmembers, all elected at-large for four-year terms in nonpartisan elections decided by plurality vote, with candidates required to have been residents of the state and city for at least 12 months

Grants the city broad municipal powers including taxation (ad valorem, occupation, and other taxes), eminent domain, planning and zoning, public utilities operation, bonding authority, franchise grants (limited to 35 years), and the authority to establish and operate a municipal court with fines up to $1,000 and imprisonment up to 180 days

Designates the city clerk as the chief administrative officer responsible for supervising city employees, preparing annual operating and capital budgets, and maintaining city records, with all contracts requiring city attorney review and city council authorization

Includes detailed provisions on ethics and conflicts of interest prohibiting officials from engaging in self-dealing, accepting gifts from entities doing business with the city, or using public property for personal benefit, with violations constituting malfeasance and resulting in forfeiture of office and a three-year bar from city employment