GA HB592

Reincorporates the City of Cleveland in White County, Georgia, establishing a governing authority consisting of a mayor and four councilmembers elected to four-year terms from geographic districts

Creates a council-manager form of government where the mayor serves as chief executive and the city council may appoint a city manager as chief administrative officer, requiring a $100,000 fidelity bond for the manager position

Grants broad municipal powers including regulation of alcoholic beverages, zoning and planning, taxation authority, operation of utilities (water, sewer, gas, electric), eminent domain, and establishment of a municipal court with jurisdiction over city ordinance violations and fines up to $1,000 or 180 days imprisonment

Establishes financial procedures including annual operating and capital budgets due by June 30, independent audits by certified public accountants, authority to issue general obligation and revenue bonds, and property tax assessment and collection systems

Repeals the previous City of Cleveland charter approved May 6, 2013, and provides for transition of existing personnel, ordinances, and pending matters within 90 days