GA HB1005

Establishes a city manager position for the City of Austell, appointed by the city council upon nomination by the mayor for an indefinite term, with compensation set by council

City manager serves as chief executive and administrative officer, responsible for directing all city departments, preparing annual budgets, hiring/removing employees, and reporting on city finances and operations

Removal of city manager requires majority council vote through a formal process including a preliminary resolution stating reasons, up to 45-day suspension, and option for the manager to request a public hearing within 5 days

Mayor, council, and individual councilmembers prohibited from giving orders to city employees under the manager's supervision, and must deal with such staff solely through the city manager

Department directors appointed and removed by the city manager subject to majority council approval; provisions take effect upon gubernatorial approval for selecting the initial city manager, with all other purposes effective July 1, 2026