---
title: HB 1246. Clayton, City of; provide new charter
collection: bills
id: 2025-2026/hb1246
cite_as: HB 1246, 2025-2026 Regular Session (Ga.)
canonical_url: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1246
md_url: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1246.md
text_url: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1246/text
source_url: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/73009
date: 2026-05-11
status: passed
corpus_version: bills-2026-09-13
license: Public record of the Georgia General Assembly, via LegiScan; see about.md
publisher: Georgia Commons, an independent project of Georgia Civic Data. Not the State of Georgia. Not legal advice.
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omitted: votes and history
omitted_chars: 886
omitted_url: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1246.md?full=1
bill_number: HB 1246
session: 2025-2026 Regular Session
session_slug: 2025-2026
chamber: House
bill_type: bill
status_date: 2026-05-11
last_action: Effective Date 2026-05-11
sponsors:
  - Victor Anderson
text_version: Enrolled
has_text: true
legiscan_url: https://legiscan.com/GA/bill/HB1246/2025
upstream_id: 2112275
summaries_model: claude-sonnet-5
topic_tags:
  - city charters
  - local government
  - municipal court
  - Clayton Georgia
  - city taxation
---

# HB 1246. Clayton, City of; provide new charter

## Text

House Bill 1246 (AS PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE)
By: Representative Anderson of the 10th
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
To provide a new charter for the City of Clayton; to provide for reincorporation, boundaries,
and powers of the city; to provide for the examples of powers; to provide for the governing
structure of such city and the powers, duties, authority, elections, terms, removal from office,
method of filling vacancies, compensation, and prohibitions of the city council; to provide
for eminent domain; to provide for meetings, rules of procedure, quorums, and voting; to
provide for ordinances; to provide for emergency ordinances; to provide for codes of
technical regulation; to provide for authentication, recording, and codification of ordinances;
to provide for the office and certain powers and duties of the city manager and acting city
manager; to prohibit council interference with administration; to provide for the office of
mayor and certain duties and powers relative to the office of mayor; to provide for the
submission of ordinances to the mayor and a mayoral veto; to provide for a mayor pro tem;
to provide for administrative responsibilities; to provide for boards, commissions and
authorities; to provide for a city attorney, city clerk, and other personnel; to provide for the
establishment of a municipal court and the judge or judges thereof; to provide for practices
and procedures; to provide for taxation, permits, and fees; to provide for franchises, utility
service chargers, and other chargers; to provide for service charges and assessments; to
provide for bonded and other indebtedness; to provide for accounting and budgeting; to
provide for contracting and purchasing; to provide for sale of city property; to provide for
bonds for officers; to provide for prior ordinances, current employees, and pending matters;
to provide for penalties; to provide for definitions and construction; to provide for charter
reviews; to provide for severability; to provide for related matters; to repeal specific Acts;
to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:
ARTICLE I
INCORPORATION AND POWERS
SECTION 1.10.
Reincorporation.
The City of Clayton, and the inhabitants thereof, are reincorporated by the enactment of this
charter and are hereby constituted and declared a body politic and corporate under the name
and style of the City of Clayton, Georgia, and by that name shall have perpetual succession.
SECTION 1.11.
Corporate boundaries.
(a) The corporate boundaries of this city shall be those existing on the effective date of the
adoption of this charter with such alterations as may be made from time to time in the
manner provided by law. The boundaries of this city at all times shall be shown on a map,
a written description, or any combination thereof, to be retained permanently in the office of
the city clerk and to be designated, as the case may be: "Official Map (or Description) of the
corporate limits of the City of Clayton, Georgia." Photographic, typed, or other copies of
such map or description certified by the city clerk shall be admitted as evidence in all courts
and shall have the same force and effect as with the original map or description.
(b) All future alterations of said map or description, as directed by the council to reflect
lawful changes in the corporate boundaries, shall be signed by the mayor and city clerk. A
redrawn map or description shall supercede, for all purposes, the entire map or maps and
description or descriptions which it is designated to replace.
SECTION 1.12.
General powers and construction.
(a) This city shall have all powers possible for a municipality to have under the present or
future Constitution and laws of this state as fully and completely as though they were
specifically enumerated in this charter. This city shall have all the powers of
self-government not otherwise prohibited by this charter or by general law.
(b) The powers of this city shall be construed liberally in favor of the city. The specific
mention or failure to mention particular powers shall not be construed as limiting in any way
the powers of this city.
SECTION 1.13.
Examples of powers.
The corporate powers of the city shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(1) Animal regulations - to regulate and license or to prohibit the keeping or running at
large of animals and fowl;
(2) Appropriations and expenditures - to make appropriations for the support of the
government of the city; to authorize the expenditure of money for any purposes
authorized by this charter and for any purpose for which a municipality is authorized by
the laws of the State of Georgia; and to provide for the payment of expenses of the city;
(3) Building regulation - to regulate and to license the erection and construction of
buildings and all other structures; to adopt building, housing, plumbing, fire safety,
electrical, gas, and heating and air conditioning codes; and to regulate all housing and
building trades;
(4) Business regulation taxation - to levy and to provide for the collection of regulatory
fees and taxes on privileges, occupations, trades and professions as authorized by Title
48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, or other such applicable laws as are or may
hereafter be enacted; to permit and regulate the same; to provide for the manner and
method of payment of such regulatory fees and taxes; and to revoke such permits after
due process for failure to pay any city taxes or fees;
(5) Condemnation - to condemn property, inside or outside the corporate limits of the
city, for present or future use and for any corporate purpose deemed necessary by the
governing authority, utilizing procedures enumerated in Title 22 of the Official Code of
Georgia Annotated, or such other applicable laws as are or may hereafter be enacted;
(6) Contracts - to enter into agreements and contracts with other governmental entities
and private persons or firms and corporations;
(7) Emergencies - to establish procedures for determining or proclaiming that an
emergency situation exists within the city and carrying out all reasonable provisions
deemed necessary to deal with such an emergency for the protection, safety, health and
well-being of the citizens of the city;
(8) Environmental protection - to protect and preserve the natural resources, environment
and vital areas of the city, the region, and the state through the preservation and
improvement of air quality, the restoration and maintenance of water resources, the
control of erosion and sedimentation, the management of stormwater and establishment
of a stormwater utility, the management of solid and hazardous waste, and other
necessary actions for the protection of the environment;
(9) Fire regulations - to fix and establish fire limits and from time to time to extend,
enlarge, or restrict the same and to describe fire safety regulations not inconsistent with
Georgia law, relating to both fire prevention and firefighting, and to prescribe penalties
and punishments for violations thereof;
(10) Garbage fees - to levy, fix, assess, and collect a garbage, refuse and trash collection
and disposal, and other sanitary service charge, tax, or fee for such services as may be
necessary in the operation of the city from all individuals, firms, and corporations
residing in or doing business therein benefitting from such services; to enforce the
payment of such charges, taxes or fees; and to provide for the manner and method of
collecting such service charges;
(11) General health, safety and welfare - to define, regulate and prohibit any act,
practice, conduct or use of property which is detrimental to the health, sanitation,
cleanliness, welfare, and safety of the inhabitants of the city; and to provide for the
enforcement of such standards;
(12) Gifts - to accept or refuse gifts, donations, bequests, or grants from any source for
any purposes related to the powers and duties of the city and the general welfare of its
citizens on such terms and conditions as a donor or grantor may impose;
(13) Health and sanitation - to prescribe standards of health and sanitation and to
provide for the enforcement of such standards;
(14) Jail sentences - to provide that persons given jail sentences in the city's court may
work out such sentences in any public works or on the streets, roads, drains and other
public property in the city, to provide for commitment of such persons to any jail, to
provide for the use of pretrial diversion and any alternative sentencing allowed by law,
or to provide for commitment of such persons to any county work camp or county jail by
agreement with the appropriate county officials;
(15) Motor vehicles - to regulate operation of motor vehicles and exercise control over
all traffic including parking upon and across streets, roads, alleys, and walkways of the
city;
(16) Municipal agencies and delegation of power - to create, alter or abolish departments,
boards, offices, commissions, and agencies of the city and to confer upon such agencies
the necessary and appropriate authority to carry out all powers conferred upon or
delegated to the same;
(17) Municipal debts - to appropriate and borrow money for the payment of the debts of
the city, and to issue bonds for the purpose of raising revenue to carry out a new project,
program, or adventure authorized by this charter or the laws of the State of Georgia; and
to obtain and to apply for grants for the purpose of this paragraph;
(18) Municipal property ownership - to acquire, dispose of, lease, or hold in trust or
otherwise any real, personal, or mixed property, in fee simple or lesser interest inside or
outside the limits of the city;
(19) Municipal property protection - to provide for the preservation and protection of
property and equipment of the city, and the administration and use of same by the public;
and to prescribe penalties and punishment for violations thereof;
(20) Municipal utilities - to acquire, lease, construct, operate, maintain, sell and dispose
of public utilities, including but, not limited to, a system of waterworks, sewers and
drains, sewage disposal, stormwater management, gas works, electric light plants, cable
television and other telecommunications, transportation facilities, public airports, and any
other public utility; and to fix the taxes, charges, rates, fares, fees, assessments,
regulations and penalties; and to provide for the withdrawal of service for refusal or
failure to pay the same;
(21) Nuisance - to define a nuisance and to provide for its abatement whether it is on
public or private property;
(22) Penalties - to provide penalties for violation of any ordinance adopted pursuant to
the authority of this charter and the laws of the State of Georgia;
(23) Planning and zoning - to provide comprehensive city planning for any development
by zoning and to provide subdivision regulation and the like as the city council deems
necessary and reasonable to ensure a safe, healthy, and aesthetically pleasing community;
(24) Police and fire protection - to exercise the power of arrest through duly appointed
police officers and to establish, operate, or contract for a police and a firefighting agency;
(25) Public hazards - to provide for the destruction and removal of any building or other
structure which is or may become dangerous or detrimental to the public;
(26) Public improvements - to provide for the acquisition, construction, building,
operation and maintenance of public ways, parks and playgrounds, recreational facilities,
cemeteries, markets and market houses, public buildings, libraries, public housing,
airports, hospitals, terminals, docks, parking facilities, or charitable, cultural, educational,
recreational, conservation, sport, curative, corrective, detentional, penal and medical
institutions, agencies and facilities; and to provide any other public improvements, inside
or outside the corporate limits of the city; to regulate the use of public improvements; and
for such purposes, property may be acquired by condemnation under Title 22 of the
Official Code of Georgia Annotated, or such other applicable laws as are or may hereafter
be enacted;
(27) Public peace - to provide for the prevention and punishment of loitering, disorderly
conduct, drunkenness, riots, and public disturbances;
(28) Public transportation - to organize and operate such public transportation systems
as are deemed beneficial;
(29) Public utilities and services - to grant franchises or make contracts for, or impose
taxes on public utilities and public service companies; and to prescribe the rates, fares,
regulations and standards and conditions of service applicable to the service to be
provided by the franchise grantee or contractor, insofar as not in conflict with valid
regulations of the Public Service Commission;
(30) Regulation of roadside areas - to prohibit or regulate and control the erection,
removal, and maintenance of signs, billboards, trees, shrubs, fences, buildings, and any
and all of the structures or obstructions upon or adjacent to the rights of way of the streets
and roads within the city and to prescribe penalties and punishment for violation of such
ordinances;
(31) Retirement - to provide and maintain a retirement plan or other employee benefit
plans and programs for officers and employees of the city;
(32) Roadways - to lay out, open, extend, widen, narrow, establish or change the grade
of, abandon or close, construct, pave, curb, gutter, adorn with shade trees, or otherwise
improve, maintain, repair, clean, prevent erosion of, and light the roads, alleys, and
walkways within the corporate limits of the city; and to grant franchises and
rights-of-way throughout the streets and roads, and over the bridges and viaducts for the
use of public utilities; and to require real estate owners to repair and maintain in a safe
condition the sidewalks adjoining their lands, and to impose penalties for failure to do so;
(33) Sewer fees - to levy a fee, charge, or sewer tax as necessary to assure the acquiring,
constructing, equipping, operating, maintaining, and extending of a sewage disposal plant
and sewerage system, and to levy on those to whom sewers and sewerage systems are
made available a sewer service fee, charge or sewer tax for the availability or use of the
sewers; to provide for the manner and method of collecting such service charges and for
enforcing payment of the same; and to charge, impose and collect a sewer connection fee
or fees to those connected with the system;
(34) Solid waste disposal - to provide for the collection and disposal of garbage, rubbish
and refuse, and to regulate the collection and disposal of garbage, rubbish and refuse by
others; and to provide for the separate collection of glass, tin, aluminum, cardboard,
paper, and other recyclable materials, and to provide for the sale of such items;
(35) Special areas of public regulation - to regulate or prohibit junk dealers, the
manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors; to regulate the transportation, storage and
use of combustible, explosive and inflammable materials, the use of lighting and heating
equipment, and any other business or situation which may be dangerous to persons or
property; to regulate and control the conduct of peddlers and itinerant traders, theatrical
performances, exhibitions, and shows of any kind, by taxation or otherwise; to license
and tax professional fortune telling, palmistry, and massage parlors; and to restrict adult
bookstores to certain areas;
(36) Special assessments - to levy and provide for the collection of special assessments
to cover the costs for any public improvements;
(37) Taxes - to levy and provide for the assessment, valuation, revaluation, and
collection of taxes on all property subject to taxation and to levy and collect such other
taxes as may be allowed now or in the future by law;
(38) Taxicabs - to regulate and license vehicles operated for hire in the city; to limit the
number of such vehicles; to require the operators thereof to be licensed; to require public
liability insurance on such vehicles in the amounts to be prescribed by ordinance; and to
regulate the parking of such vehicles;
(39) Urban redevelopment - to organize and operate an urban redevelopment program;
and
(40) Other powers - to exercise and enjoy all other powers, functions, rights, privileges
and immunities necessary or desirable to promote or protect the safety, health, peace,
security, good order, comfort, convenience, or general welfare of the city and its
inhabitants; and to exercise all implied powers necessary or desirable to carry into
execution all powers granted in this charter as fully and completely as if such powers
were fully stated herein; and to exercise all powers now or in the future authorized to be
exercised by other municipal governments under other laws of the State of Georgia; and
no listing of particular powers in this charter shall be held to be exclusive of others, nor
restrictive of general words and phrases granting powers, but shall be held to be in
addition to such powers unless expressly prohibited to municipalities under the
Constitution or applicable laws of the State of Georgia.
SECTION 1.14.
Exercise of powers.
All powers, functions, rights, privileges and immunities of the city and its officers, agencies,
or employees shall be carried into execution as provided by this charter. If this charter makes
no provision, such powers, functions, rights, privileges and immunities shall be carried into
execution as provided by ordinance of the governing authority and as provided by pertinent
laws of the State of Georgia.
ARTICLE II
GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE
SECTION 2.10.
Form of Government.
The City of Clayton shall operate under the council manager form of government. The
general duties of the council shall be to set policy; the general duties of the manager shall be
to carry out those policies.
SECTION 2.11.
Terms and qualifications for office.
The mayor and members of the city council shall serve four-year terms of office and until
their respective successors are elected and qualified. No person shall be eligible to serve as
mayor or councilmember unless that person shall have been a resident of the city for 12
months prior to the date of election of mayor or councilmembers. The Mayor and each
councilmember shall continue to reside therein during that member's period of service and
to be registered and qualified to vote in municipal elections of this city and meet the
qualification standards required for members of the Georgia House of Representatives as are
now or may in the future be prescribed by the Georgia Constitution.
SECTION 2.12.
Vacancy; filling of vacancies.
(a) The office of mayor or councilmember shall become vacant upon the incumbent's death,
resignation, ceasing to be a resident of the city, forfeiture of office or removal from office
in any manner authorized by this charter or the laws of the State of Georgia.
(b) The mayor or any councilmember shall forfeit their office if he or she:
(1) Lacks at any time during the term of office any qualifications of the office as
prescribed by this charter or the laws of the State of Georgia;
(2) Willfully and knowingly violates any express prohibition of this charter; or
(3) Is convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude.
(c) A vacancy in the office of mayor or councilmember shall be filled for the remainder of
the unexpired term, if any, by appointment by the city council or those members remaining
if less than 12 months remain in the unexpired term. If such vacancy occurs 12 months or
more prior to the expiration of the term of that office, the vacancy shall be filled for the
remainder of the unexpired term by a special election, as provided for in Section 5.12 of this
charter and in accordance with Titles 21 and 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated,
or other such laws as are or may hereafter be enacted.
(d) This provision shall also apply to a temporary vacancy created by the suspension from
office of the mayor or any councilmember.
SECTION 2.13.
Compensation; expenses.
The mayor and councilmembers shall receive a compensation for their services an amount
prescribed by ordinance passed by the council in conformity with the laws of the State of
Georgia. The mayor and councilmembers shall be entitled to receive their actual and
necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties of office.
SECTION 2.14.
Prohibitions.
(a) Elected and appointed officers of the city are trustees and servants of the residents of the
city and shall act in a fiduciary capacity for the benefit of such residents.
(b) Except as authorized by law, no member of the council shall hold any other elective
municipal office or municipal employment in the City of Clayton during the term for which
he or she was elected.
(c) Neither the mayor nor any councilmember shall vote upon, sign or veto any ordinance,
resolution, contract or other matter in which he or she is personally interested.
SECTION 2.15.
General power and authority of the city council.
(a) Except as otherwise provided by law or by this charter, the city council shall be vested
with all the powers of government of the City of Clayton provided in Article I of this charter.
(b) In addition to all other powers conferred on it by law, the city council hall have the
authority to adopt and provide for the execution of such ordinances, resolutions, rules and
regulations, not inconsistent with this charter, the Constitution and the laws of the State of
Georgia, which it shall deem necessary, expedient or helpful for the peace, good order,
protection of life and property, health and welfare, sanitation, comfort, convenience,
prosperity or well-being of the inhabitants of the City of Clayton and may enforce such
ordinances, resolutions, rules and regulations by imposing penalties for violation thereof.
(c) The city council may, by ordinance create, change, alter, abolish, or consolidate offices,
agencies and departments of the city and may assign additional functions to any of the
offices, agencies and departments expressly provided for by this charter.
SECTION 2.16.
Eminent domain.
The city council is hereby empowered to acquire, construct, operate and maintain public
ways, parks, public grounds, cemeteries, markets, market houses, public buildings, libraries,
sewers, drains, sewage treatment, waterworks, electrical systems, gas systems, airports,
hospitals, and charitable, educational, recreational, sport, curative, corrective, detentional,
penal and medical institutions, agencies and facilities, and any other public improvements
inside or outside the city, and to regulate the use thereof, and for such purposes, property
may be condemned under procedures established under general law applicable now or as
provided in the future.
SECTION 2.17.
Meetings.
(a) The city council shall hold regularly scheduled meetings at such times and places as shall
be prescribed by ordinance.
(b) Special meetings of the city council may be held on call of the mayor or three members
of the city council. Notice of such special meetings shall be served on all other members
personally, or by telephone personally, at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting. Such
notice to councilmembers shall not be required if the mayor and all councilmembers are
present when the special meeting is called. Such notice of any special meeting may be
waived by a councilmember in writing before or after such a meeting, and attendance at the
meeting shall also constitute a waiver of notice on any business transacted in such
councilmembers presence. Only the business stated in the call may be transacted at the
special meeting.
(c) All meetings of the city council shall be public to the extent required by law and notice
to the public of where such special meetings shall be held shall be made fully as is
reasonably possible and provided by O.C.G.A. § 50-14-1 or such other applicable laws as are
or may be hereafter enacted.
SECTION 2.18.
Rules of procedure.
The city council shall adopt its rules of procedure such as Robert's Rules of Order and order
of business consistent with the provisions of this charter and shall provide for the keeping
of a journal of its proceedings, which shall be a public record.
SECTION 2.19.
Quorum; voting.
(a) The mayor or mayor pro tem and three councilmembers shall constitute a quorum and
shall be authorized to transact business of the city council. Voting on the adoption of
ordinances shall be by voice vote and the vote shall be recorded in the journal, but any
member of the city council shall have the right to request a roll call vote and such vote shall
be recorded in the journal. Except as otherwise provided in this charter, the affirmative vote
of three councilmembers shall be required for the adoption of any ordinance, resolution, or
motion.
(b) No member of the city council shall abstain from voting on any matter properly brought
before the council for official action except when such councilmember has a conflict of
interest which is disclosed in writing prior to or at the meeting and made a part of the
minutes. Any member of the city council present and eligible to vote on a matter and refusing
to do so for any reason other than a properly disclosed and recorded conflict of interest shall
be deemed to have acquiesced or concurred with the members of the majority who did vote
on the question involved.
SECTION 2.20.
Enactment of ordinances.
(a) Except as herein provided, every official action of the city council which is to become
law shall be by ordinance. Each proposed ordinance shall be introduced in writing and in the
form required for final adoption. No ordinance shall contain a subject which is not expressed
in its title. The enacting clause shall be: "Be it ordained by the city council of Clayton..."
Any ordinance which repeals or amends an existing ordinance shall set forth the ordinance
sections or subsections to be repealed or amended.
(b) An ordinance may be introduced by any city councilmember and read at a regular or
special meeting of the city council. Ordinances shall be considered and adopted or rejected
by the city council in accordance with the rules which it shall establish. Every ordinance
which becomes law shall be signed by the mayor.
SECTION 2.21.
Action requiring an ordinance.
Acts of the city council which have the force and effect of law shall be enacted by ordinance.
SECTION 2.22.
Emergencies.
(a) To meet a public emergency affecting life, health, property or public peace, the city
council may convene on call of the mayor or two councilmembers and promptly adopt an
emergency ordinance, but such ordinance may not levy taxes; grant, renew or extend a
franchise; regulate the rate charged by any public utility for its services; or authorize the
borrowing of money except for loans to be repaid within 30 days. An emergency ordinance
shall be introduced in the form prescribed for ordinances generally, except that it shall be
plainly designated as an emergency ordinance and shall contain, after the enacting clause,
a declaration stating that an emergency exists, and describing the emergency in clear and
specific terms. An emergency ordinance may be adopted, with or without amendment, or
rejected at the meeting at which it is introduced, but the affirmative vote of at least the
majority of councilmembers shall be required for adoption. It shall become effective upon
adoption or at such later time as it may specify. Every emergency ordinance shall
automatically stand repealed 30 days following the date upon which it was adopted, but this
shall not prevent reenactment of the ordinance in the manner specified in this section if the
emergency still exists. An emergency ordinance may also be repealed by adoption of a
repealing ordinance in the same manner specified in this section for adoption of emergency
ordinances.
(b) Such meetings shall be open to the public to the extent required by law and notice to the
public of emergency meetings shall be made as fully as is reasonably possible in accordance
with Code Section 50-14-1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, or such other
applicable laws as are or may hereafter be enacted.
SECTION 2.23.
Code of technical regulation.
(a) The city council may adopt any standard code of technical regulations by reference
thereto in an adopting ordinance. The procedure and requirements governing such adopting
ordinance shall be as prescribed for ordinances generally except that a copy of each adopted
code of technical regulations, as well as the adopting ordinance, shall be authenticated and
recorded by the clerk pursuant to Section 2.21 of this charter.
(b) Copies of any adopted code of technical regulations shall be made available by the clerk
for distribution or for purchase at a reasonable price.
SECTION 2.24.
Authentication, recording and codification of ordinances.
(a) The city clerk shall authenticate by his or her signature and record in full, in a properly
indexed book kept for that purpose, all ordinances adopted by the city council.
(b) The city council may provide for the preparation of a general codification of all
ordinances of the city having the force and effect of law. The general codification may be
adopted by the council by ordinance, and if so adopted, shall be known as "The Code of the
City of Clayton, Georgia." All ordinances enacted subsequent to the adoption of the code
shall be incorporated therein.
SECTION 2.25.
City manager; appointment; qualifications; compensation.
The city council shall appoint a city manager, also known as "the manager," for an indefinite
term and shall fix the manager's compensation. The manager shall be appointed solely on
the basis of executive and administrative qualifications. He or she need not be a resident of
the city or state at the time of his or her appointment.
SECTION 2.26.
Removal of city manager.
(a) The city council may remove the manager from office in accordance with the following
procedures:
(1) The city council shall adopt by affirmative vote of a majority of all its members a
preliminary resolution which must state the reasons for removal and may suspend the
manager from duty for a period not to exceed 45 days. A copy of the resolution shall be
delivered promptly to the manager;
(2) Within five days after a copy of the resolution is delivered to the manager, the manager
may file with the city council a written request for a public hearing. This hearing shall be
held within 30 days after the request is filed. The manager may file with the council a
written reply not later than five days before the hearing. At the hearing, the manager shall
have the right to be represented by counsel, to present evidence, and to cross-examine any
witnesses against him or her; and
(3) If the manager has not requested a public hearing within the time specified in
paragraph (2) of this section, the city council may adopt a final resolution for removal,
which may be made effective immediately, by an affirmative vote of a majority of all its
members. If the manager has requested a public hearing, the city council may adopt a final
resolution for removal, which may be made effective immediately, by an affirmative vote
of a majority of all its members at any time after the public hearing.
(b) The city manager may be removed from office with cause. If removed without cause,
he or she shall be entitled to receive his or her regular salary for a period of 30 days from the
effective date of the final resolution of removal.
(c) The city manager shall give 30 days written notice of resignation or forfeit accumulated
vacation payout.
SECTION 2.27.
Acting city manager.
By letter filed with the city clerk, the manager shall designate, subject to approval of the city
council, a qualified city administrative officer to exercise the powers and perform the duties
of manager during the manager's temporary absence or physical or mental disability. During
such absence or disability, the city council may revoke such designation at any time and
appoint another officer of the city to serve until the manager shall return or the manager's
disability shall cease.
SECTION 2.28.
Powers and duties of the city manager.
The city manager shall be the chief operating officer of the city. The manager shall be
responsible to the mayor and city council for the administration of all city affairs placed in
the manager's charge by or under this charter. As the chief administrative officer, the
manager shall:
(1) Attend all meetings of the city council;
(2) Draw and sign vouchers upon depositories, and keep, or cause to be kept, a true and
accurate account of same. Such vouchers shall be counter signed by two authorized
signatories;
(3) Be responsible for the signature and issuance of all licenses issued by the city; issuance
of receipts for all moneys paid to the city; and deposit of said moneys in the proper
depositories on the first banking day after receipt;
(4) Provide administrative services as required by the mayor and the council;
(5) Except as provided for in this charter, appoint and suspend or remove any employee
of the city. The city manager may authorize any administrative officer who is subject to
his or her direction and supervision to exercise these powers with respect to subordinates
in that officer's department, office, or agency within the guidelines of stated personnel
policies and procedures;
(6) Direct and supervise the administration of all departments, offices, and agencies of the
city, except as otherwise provided by this charter or by law;
(7) See that all laws, provisions of this charter, and acts of the council are faithfully
executed;
(8) Is the budget officer for the city;
(9) Prepare and submit annually a balanced budget, budget message, and capital program
if requested to the council;
(10) Keep the council fully advised as to the financial condition and future needs of the
city and make such recommendations to the Council concerning the affairs of the city;
(11) Sign contracts on behalf of the city to the extent authorized by the council; and
(12) Perform other such duties as are specified in this charter or as may be directed by the
council.
SECTION 2.29.
Council interference with administration.
The mayor and city council or its members shall deal with city employees and employees
who are subject to the direction and supervision of the manager solely through the manager,
and neither the mayor or city council nor its members shall give orders to any such officer
or employee, either publicly or privately.
SECTION 2.30.
Powers and duties of mayor.
The mayor shall be the chief executive officer of the City of Clayton. He or she shall possess
all of the executive and administrative powers granted to the city under the Constitution and
laws of the State of Georgia, and all the executive and administrative powers contained in
this charter. The mayor shall:
(1) Preside at all meetings of the city council;
(2) Vote as a member of the council only at such times as are necessarily to break a tie or
deadlock of the city council;
(3) Be the official head of the city for the service of process and for ceremonial purposes;
(4) Have power to administer oaths and to take affidavits;
(5) Sign all written contracts entered into by the council on behalf of the city and all other
contracts and instruments executed by the city which by law are required to be in writing;
(6) See that all laws and ordinances of the city are faithfully executed; and
(7) Perform other duties as may be required by law, this charter or ordinance.
SECTION 2.31.
Submission of ordinances to the mayor; veto power.
(a) Every ordinance adopted by the city council shall be presented promptly by the clerk to
the mayor.
(b) The mayor, within four calendar days of receipt of an ordinance, shall return it to the
clerk with or without his or her approval, or with his or her disapproval. If the ordinance has
been approved by the mayor, it shall become law upon its return to the clerk; if the ordinance
is neither approved nor disapproved, it shall become law at noon on the tenth calendar day
after its adoption; if the ordinance is disapproved, the mayor shall submit to the city council
through the clerk a written statement of his or her reasons for his or her veto. The clerk shall
record upon the ordinance the date of its delivery to and receipt from the mayor.
(c) Ordinances vetoed by the mayor shall be presented by the clerk to the city council at its
next meeting and should the city council then or at its next general meeting adopt the
ordinance by an affirmative vote of four members, it shall become law.
SECTION 2.32.
Position of mayor pro tem.
At the first regular meeting of the city council in January, the city council shall elect a mayor
pro tem from among its membership. During the absence or physical or mental disability of
the mayor for any cause, the mayor pro tem, or in the mayor pro tem's absence or disability
for any reason, any one of the councilmembers chosen by a majority vote of the city council,
shall be clothed with all the rights and privileges of the mayor and shall perform the duties
of the office of the mayor so long as such absence or disability shall continue. Any such
absence or disability shall be declared by majority vote of all councilmembers. The mayor
pro tem or selected councilmember shall sign all contracts and ordinances in which the
mayor has a disqualifying financial interest as provided in Section 2.14 of this charter. When
acting as mayor, the mayor pro tem shall continue to have only one vote as a member of the
council.
ARTICLE III
ORGANIZATIONAL AND GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 3.10.
Administrative and service departments.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this charter, the city council, by ordinance, shall
prescribe the functions or duties, and establish, abolish, alter, consolidate or leave vacant all
nonelective offices, positions of employment, departments, and agencies of the city, as
necessary for the proper administration of the affairs and government of this city.
(b) Except as otherwise provided by this charter or by law, the directors of departments and
other appointed officers of the city shall be appointed solely on the basis of their respective
administrative and professional qualifications.
(c) All appointed officers and directors of departments shall receive such compensation as
prescribed by ordinance or resolution.
(d) There shall be a director of each department or agency who shall be its principal officer.
Each director shall, subject to the direction and supervision of the city manager, be
responsible for the administration and direction of the affairs and operations of that director's
department or agency.
(e) All appointed officers and directors under the supervision of the city manager shall be
nominated by the city manager with confirmation of appointment by the city council. All
appointed officers and directors shall be employees at will and subject to removal or
suspension at any time by the city manager unless otherwise provided by law or ordinance.
SECTION 3.11.
Boards, commissions, and authorities.
(a) All members of boards, commissions and authorities of the city shall be appointed by the
city council for such terms of office and such manner of appointment as provided by
ordinance, except where other appointing authority, term of office or manner of appointment
is prescribed by this charter or by applicable state law. The city manager shall be an ex
officio member of all such boards, commissions and authorities and shall act as liaison
officer between them and the mayor and the council.
(b) Any vacancy in office of any member of a board, commission, or authority of the city
shall be filled for the unexpired term in the manner prescribed herein for original
appointment, except as otherwise provided by this charter or any applicable state law.
(c) No member of any board, commission or authority shall assume office until he or she
shall have executed and filed with the clerk of the city an oath obligating himself or herself
to faithfully and impartially perform the duties of his or her office, such oath to be prescribed
by ordinance of the council and administered by the mayor.
(d) Any member of any board, commission or authority may be removed from office, for
cause by a two-thirds vote of the members of the council.
(e) Members of boards, commissions and authorities may receive such compensation and
expenses in the performance of their official duties as prescribed by ordinance.
(f) The qualifications required of members of boards, commissions and authorities shall be
as prescribed by ordinance.
(g) Except as otherwise provided by this charter or by applicable state law, each board,
commission or authority of the city government shall elect one of its members as chairman
and one member as vice-chairman for terms of one year and may elect as its secretary one
of its own members or may appoint as secretary an employee of the city. Each board,
commission, or authority of the city government may establish such bylaws, rules and
regulations, not inconsistent with this charter, ordinances of the city, or applicable state law,
as it deems appropriate and necessary for the conduct of its affairs, copies of which shall be
filed with the clerk of the city.
SECTION 3.12.
City attorney.
The city manager shall recommend a city attorney, together with such assistant city attorneys
as may be authorized as needed and such recommendation will be approved by council. The
city manager shall provide for the payment of such attorney or attorneys for services
rendered to the city. The city attorney shall be a member in good standing with the State Bar
of Georgia. The city attorney shall be responsible for providing for the representation and
defense of the city in all litigation in which the city is a party; may be the prosecuting officer
in the municipal court; shall attend the meetings of the council as directed; shall advise the
city council, mayor, and other officers and employees of the city concerning legal aspects of
the city's affairs; and shall perform such other duties as may be required by virtue of the
person's position as city attorney. The city attorney is not a public official of the city and
does not take an oath of office. The city attorney shall at all times be an independent
contractor. A law firm, rather than an individual, may be designated as the city attorney.
SECTION 3.13.
Personnel Administration.
The city manager shall be responsible for the preparation of a position classification and pay
plan which shall be submitted to the city council for approval. Such plan may apply to all
employees of the city and any of its agencies, departments, boards, commissions or
authorities. When a pay plan has been adopted, the city council shall not increase or decrease
the salary range applicable to any position except by amendment of such pay plan. For
purposes of this section, all elected and appointed city officials are not city employees.
SECTION 3.14.
Personnel Policies.
All employees of the city serve at-will and may be removed from office at any time, unless
otherwise provided by ordinance.
SECTION 3.15.
City clerk.
The city manager shall recommend a city clerk, also known as 'the clerk,' who shall not be
a councilmember and recommendation shall be approved by council. The city clerk shall
keep a journal of the proceedings of the city council; maintain in a safe place all records and
documents pertaining to the affairs of the city and perform such other duties as may be
required by law or as the city manager may direct.
ARTICLE IV
MUNICIPAL COURT
SECTION 4.10.
Creation; name.
There shall be a court to be known as the Municipal Court of the City of Clayton.
SECTION 4.11.
Chief judge; other judges.
(a) The municipal court shall be presided over by a chief judge and such part-time, full-time,
or stand-by judges as shall be provided by ordinance.
(b) No person shall be qualified or eligible to serve as a judge on the municipal court unless
that person shall have attained the age of 21 years and shall possess all qualifications
required by law. All judges shall be appointed by the city council and shall serve until a
successor is appointed and qualified.
(c) Compensation of the judges shall be fixed by ordinance.
(d) Judges shall serve a term and may be removed as provided by general law.
(e) Before assuming office, each judge shall take an oath, given by the mayor, that the judge
will honestly and faithfully discharge the duties of the office to the best of that person's
ability and without fear, favor, or partiality. The oath shall be entered upon the minutes of
the city council.
SECTION 4.12.
Convening.
The municipal court shall be convened at such times as designated by ordinance or at such
times as deemed necessary to keep current the dockets thereof.
SECTION 4.13.
Jurisdiction; powers.
(a) The municipal court is specifically vested with all the jurisdiction and powers throughout
the entire area of the City of Clayton granted by state laws generally to mayor's, recorder's
and police courts, and particularly by such laws as authorize abatement of nuisances.
(b) The municipal court shall have authority to punish those in its presence for contempt.
The municipal court may fix punishment for any offense within its jurisdiction not exceeding
the maximum allowed by city and state law.
(c) The municipal court shall have authority to establish a schedule of fees to defray the cost
of operation and shall be entitled reimbursement of the cost of meals, transportation and
caretaking of prisoners bound over to superior courts for violation of state law.
(d) The municipal court shall have authority to establish bail and recognizances to ensure
the presence of those charged with violations before said court, and shall have discretionary
authority to accept cash or personal or real property as surety for appearance of persons
charged with violations. Whenever any person shall give bail for that person's appearance
and shall fail to appear at the time fixed for trial, the bond shall be forfeited by the judge
presiding at such time, and an execution issued thereon by serving the defendant and the
defendant's sureties with a rule nisi, at least two days before a hearing on the rule nisi. In the
event that cash or property is accepted in lieu of bond for security for the appearance of a
defendant at trial, and if such defendant fails to appear at the time and place fixed for trial,
the cash so deposited shall be on order of the judge declared forfeited to the City of Clayton,
or the property so deposited shall have a lien against it for the value forfeited, which lien
shall be enforceable in the same manner and to the same extent as a lien for city property
taxes.
(e) The municipal court shall have the authority to bind prisoners over to the appropriate
court when it appears by probable cause that a state law has been violated.
(f) The municipal court shall have the same authority as superior courts to compel the
production of evidence in the possession of any party; to enforce obedience to its orders,
judgments and sentences; and to administer such oaths as are necessary.
(g) The municipal court may compel the presence of all parties necessary to a proper
disposal of each case by the issuance of summons, subpoena and warrants which may be
served as executed by any officer as authorized by this charter or by state law.
(h) Each judge of the municipal court shall be authorized to issue warrants for the arrest of
persons charged with offenses against any ordinance of the city, and each judge of the
municipal court shall have the same authority as a magistrate of the state to issue warrants
for offenses against state laws committed within the city.
SECTION 4.14.
Rules for court.
With the approval of the city council, the judge shall have full power and authority to make
reasonable rules and regulations necessary and proper to secure the efficient and successful
administration of the municipal court; provided, however, that the city council may adopt in
part or in total the rules and regulations applicable to municipal courts. The rules and
regulations made or adopted shall be filed with the city clerk, shall be available for public
inspection, and, upon request, a copy shall be furnished to all defendants in municipal court
proceedings at least 48 hours prior to said proceedings.
SECTION 4.15.
Petitions for review.
The right to seek petitions for review from the decision and judgment of the municipal court
shall exist in all criminal cases and ordinance violation cases, and such petitions shall be
made to the Superior Court of Rabun County under the laws of the State of Georgia
regulating appeals to the superior courts.
ARTICLE V
ELECTIONS
SECTION 5.10.
Regular elections.
(a) An election shall be held on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November of each
year to elect councilmembers to fill the terms of those councilmembers whose terms expire
at the end of that year and to fill the office of mayor in those years in which his or her term
of office expires.
(b) Nothing contained herein shall affect the offices of those persons presently serving as
mayor and councilmembers at the date of approval of this charter, but said officers shall
serve out the remainder of their offices as hereinbefore may have been provided by law.
SECTION 5.11.
Applicability of general law.
(a) The procedures and requirements for election of all elected officials of the City of
Clayton as to primary, special and general elections shall be held and conducted in
accordance with Chapter 2 of Title 21 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the
"Georgia Election Code," as now or hereafter amended.
(b) Elections of the City of Clayton shall be nonpartisan, and political parties shall not
conduct primaries for city offices and all names of candidates for city offices shall be listed
without party designations.
SECTION 5.12.
Special elections, vacancies.
In the event that the office of mayor or councilmember shall become vacant as provided in
Section 2.12 of this charter, the city council or those remaining shall order a special election
to fill the balance of the unexpired term of such official; provided, however, if such vacancy
occurs within 12 months of the expiration of the term of that office, the city council or those
remaining may appoint a successor for the remainder of the term. In all other respects, the
special election shall be held and conducted in accordance with Chapter 2 of Title 21 of the
Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the "Georgia Election Code," as now or hereafter
amended.
SECTION 5.13.
Other provisions.
Except as otherwise provided by this charter, the city council shall, by ordinance, prescribe
such rules and regulations it deems appropriate to fulfill any options and duties under
Chapter 2 of Title 21 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the "Georgia Election
Code."
SECTION 5.14.
Grounds for removal.
The mayor or any councilmember shall be subject to removal from office for any one or
more of the following causes:
(1) Misfeasance or malfeasance in office;
(2) Conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude;
(3) Failure at any time to possess any of the qualifications of office as provided by this
charter or by law;
(4) Willful violation of any express prohibition of this charter;
(5) Abandonment of office or neglect to perform the duties thereof; or;
(6) Failure for any other cause to perform the duties of office as required by this charter
or by law.
SECTION 5.15.
Procedures for removal.
Removal of an elected officer from office may be accomplished by one of the following
methods:
(1) By action of two-thirds vote of the entire membership of the city council. In the event
an elected officer sought to be removed by the action of the city council, such officer shall
be entitled to a written notice specifying the grounds for removal and to a public hearing
which shall be held not less than ten days from the service of such written notice. Any
elected officer sought to be removed from office as herein provided shall have the right of
appeal from the decision of the council to the Superior Court of Rabun County such appeal
shall be governed by the same rules as govern appeals to the superior court from the
probate court;
(2) By an order of the Superior Court of Rabun County following a hearing on a complaint
seeking such removal brought by any resident of the City of Clayton; and
(3) By recall as now or hereafter provided by Georgia law.
ARTICLE VI
FINANCE
SECTION 6.10.
Property tax.
All property subject to taxation for state or county purposes, assessed as of January 1 in each
year, shall be subject to the property tax levied by the City of Clayton.
SECTION 6.11.
Tax levy.
The city council may assess, levy and collect an ad valorem tax on all real and personal
property within the corporate limits of the city that is subject to such taxation by the State
and county. This tax is for the purpose of raising revenues to defray the costs of operating
the city government; providing governmental services; for the repayment of principal and
interest on general obligations; and for any other public purpose as determined by the city
council in its discretion.
SECTION 6.12.
Millage rates; due dates; payment methods.
The city council by ordinance shall establish a millage rate for general operating funds, for
the city property tax; a due date; and in what length of time those taxes must be paid. The
city council, by ordinance, shall establish a millage rate for the city property tax, a due date,
and the time period within which these taxes must be paid. The city council, by ordinance,
may provide for the payment of these taxes by two installments or in one lump sum, as well
as authorize the voluntary payment of taxes prior to the time when due.
SECTION 6.13.
Collection of delinquent taxes.
The city council by ordinance shall have the power to assess and collect fees, charges,
assessments, and totals for sewer, sanitary and health services, and any other services made
available within corporate limits of the city. If unpaid, such charges shall be collected as
provided in Section 6.17 of this charter.
SECTION 6.14.
License fees, occupation taxes, excise taxes.
The city council by ordinance shall have full power to levy such license fees and specific or
occupation taxes upon the residents of the City of Clayton, both individual and corporate, and
on all those who transact or offer to transact business therein, or who practice or offer to
practice any profession or calling therein, as the city council may deem expedient for the
public health, safety, benefit, convenience or advantage of the city; to classify businesses,
occupations, professions or callings for the purpose of such taxation in any way which may
be lawful; to require such persons to procure licenses; to compel the payment of such
licenses by execution or any other lawful manner; and to make laws and regulations
necessary or proper to carry out the powers herein conferred, and to prescribe penalties for
the violation thereof. The city council shall have full power and authority to levy an excise
tax not prohibited by general law.
SECTION 6.15.
Franchise.
(a) The city council shall have the power to grant franchises for the use of this city's streets
and alleys for the purposes of railroads, street railways, telephone companies, electric
companies, electric membership corporations, cable television and other telecommunications
companies, gas companies, transportation companies and other similar organizations. The
city council shall determine the duration, terms, whether the same shall be exclusive or
nonexclusive, and the consideration for such franchises; provided, however, no franchise
shall be granted for a period in excess of 30 years and no franchise shall be granted unless
the city receives just and adequate compensation therefore. The city council shall provide
for the registration of all franchises with the city clerk in a registration book kept by the
clerk. The city council may provide by ordinance for the registration within a reasonable
time of all franchises previously granted.
(b) If no franchise agreement is in effect, the city council has the authority to impose a tax
on gross receipts for the use of this city's streets and alleys for the purposes of railroads,
street railways, telephone, companies, electric companies, electric membership corporations,
cable television and other telecommunications companies, gas companies, transportation
companies and other similar organizations.
SECTION 6.16.
Utility service charges.
The city council by ordinance shall have the right, power and authority to assess and collect
fees, charges, and tolls for utility services rendered both within and without the corporate
limits of the City of Clayton, to provide for the cost and expense of providing for the
operation of said utility services of the city. If unpaid, said utility service charge shall
constitute a lien against any property of persons served, which lien shall be second in priority
only to liens for county and city property taxes and shall be enforceable in the same manner
and under the same remedies as a lien for city property taxes.
SECTION 6.17.
Sanitary and health service charges.
The city council shall have authority by ordinance to provide for, to enforce, to levy and to
collect the cost of sanitary and health services necessary in the operation of the city from all
individuals, firms and corporations, residing in or doing business in the city benefitting from
such service. Such authority shall include the power to assess, levy and collect annual or
monthly sanitary taxes or fees in such amount or amounts, and based upon and in accordance
with such classification of property and sanitary service or service provided, as may be fixed
by ordinance. Said sanitary taxes and the assessment thereof shall be a charge and lien
against the real estate in respect to which said taxes are so assessed, and the owner or owners
thereof, superior to all other liens, except liens for county and city property taxes, and shall
be enforceable in the same manner and under the same remedies as a lien for city property
taxes.
SECTION 6.18.
Special assessments.
The city council shall have power and authority to assess all or part of the cost of
constructing, reconstructing, widening, or improving any public way, street, sidewalk,
curbing, gutters, sewers, or other utility mains and appurtenances against the abutting
property owners, under such terms and conditions as may be prescribed by ordinance. Such
special assessments shall become thirty days after their due dates, shall thereupon be subject,
in addition to fi.fa. charges to a penalty of ten percent and shall thereafter be subject to
interest at the rate of nine percent per annum from date due until paid. A lien shall exist
against the abutting property superior to all other liens, except that it shall be of equal dignity
with liens for county and city property taxes, and said lien shall be enforceable by the same
procedures and under the same remedies as provided for in this article for city property taxes.
SECTION 6.19.
Construction; other taxes and fees.
The City of Clayton shall be empowered to levy any other tax or fee allowed now or
thereafter by state law and the specific mention of any right, power or authority in this article
shall not be construed as limiting in any way the general powers of the city to govern its local
affairs.
SECTION 6.20.
Transfer of executions.
The city clerk shall be authorized to assign or transfer any fi.fa. or execution issued for any
tax or for any street, sewer, or other assessment in the same manner and to the same extent
as provided by Georgia law regarding sales and transfers of fi.fas. Such transfer or
assignment, when made, shall vest the purchaser or transferee with all right, title and interest
as provided by Georgia law governing sales and transfer of fi.fas. Provided that, upon levy
of execution and sale of property pursuant to such tax fi.fas. whether assigned, transferred
or executed by the city, the owner of such property, in fee simple or lesser interest, shall not
lose his or her right to redeem the property in accord with the requirements of redemption
of property sold under state or county ad valorem tax fi.fas., as said requirements now exist
or as may be hereinafter provided by law.
SECTION 6.21.
General obligation bonds.
The city council shall have the power to issue bonds for the purpose of raising revenue to
carry out any project program or venture authorized under this charter or the general laws of
the State. Such bonding authority shall be exercised in accordance with the laws governing
bond issuances by municipalities in effect at the time said issue is undertaken.
SECTION 6.22.
Revenue bonds.
Revenue bonds may be issued by the city council as state law now or hereafter provides.
Such bonds are to be paid out of any revenue produced by the project, program or venture
for which they were issued.
SECTION 6.23.
Short-term loans.
The city may obtain short-term loans and must repay such loans not later than December 31
of each year, unless otherwise provided by law.
SECTION 6.24.
Lease-purchase contracts.
The city may enter into multiyear lease, purchase or lease purchase contracts for the
acquisition of goods, materials, real and personal property, services, and supplies provided
the contract terminates without further obligation on the part of the municipality at the close
of the calendar year in which it was executed and at the close of each succeeding calendar
year for which it may be renewed. Contracts must be executed in accordance with the
requirements of Code Section 36-60-13 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, or other
such applicable laws as are or may hereafter be enacted.
SECTION 6.25.
Fiscal year; preparation and adoption of operating budget.
(a) The council shall set the fiscal year by ordinance. Said fiscal year shall constitute the
budget year and the year for financial accounting and reporting unless otherwise provided
by state or federal law.
(b) On or before a date fixed by the council prior to the beginning of each fiscal year, the
council shall adopt a budget for the ensuing fiscal year. The council shall provide by
ordinance the procedures and requirements for the preparation and execution of said annual
budget. The budget and all supporting documents shall be filed in the office of the city clerk
and shall be open to public inspection.
SECTION 6.26.
Action by city council on budget.
(a) The city council may amend the operating budget proposed by the city manager; except,
that the budget as finally amended and adopted must provide for all expenditures required
by state law or by other provisions of this charter and for all debt service requirements for
the ensuing fiscal year, and the total appropriations from any fund shall not exceed the
estimated fund balance, reserves, and revenues.
(b) The city council by ordinance shall adopt the final operating budget for the ensuing fiscal
year not later than the 30th day of June of each year. If the city council fails to adopt the
budget by this date, the amounts appropriated for operation for the current fiscal year shall
be deemed adopted for the ensuing fiscal year on a month-to-month basis, with all items
prorated accordingly until such time as the city council adopts a budget for the ensuing fiscal
year. Adoption of the budget shall take the form of an appropriations ordinance setting out
the estimated revenues in detail by sources and making appropriations according to fund and
by organizational unit, purpose, or activity as set out in the budget preparation ordinance
adopted pursuant to Section 6.25.
(c) The amount set out in the adopted operating budget for each organizational unit shall
constitute the annual appropriation for such, and no expenditure shall be made or
encumbrance created in excess of the otherwise unencumbered balance of the appropriations
or allotment thereof, to which it is chargeable.
SECTION 6.27.
Tax levies.
The city council shall levy by ordinance such taxes as are necessary. The taxes and tax rates
set by such ordinances shall be such that reasonable estimates of revenues from such levy
shall at least be sufficient, together with other anticipated revenues, fund balances and
applicable reserves, to equal the total amount appropriated for each of the several funds set
forth in the annual operating budget for defraying the expenses of the general government
of this city.
SECTION 6.28.
Changes in appropriations.
The city council by ordinance may make changes in the appropriations contained in the
current operating budget, at any regular meeting, special or emergency meeting called for
such purpose, but any additional appropriations may be made only from an existing
unexpended surplus.
SECTION 6.29.
Capital budget.
(a) On or before the date fixed by the city council but no later than the 30th day of June of
each fiscal year, the city manager may submit to the city council a proposed capital
improvements plan with a recommended capital budget containing the means of financing
the improvements proposed for the ensuing fiscal year. The city council shall have power
to accept, with or without amendments, or reject the proposed plan and proposed budget.
The city council shall not authorize an expenditure for the construction of any building,
structure, work or improvement, unless the appropriations for such project are included in
the capital budget, except to meet a public emergency as provided in Section 2.22 of this
charter.
(b) The city council shall adopt by ordinance the final capital budget for the ensuing fiscal
year not later than the 30th day of June of each year. No appropriation provided for in a prior
capital budget shall lapse until the purpose for which the appropriation was made shall have
been accomplished or abandoned; provided, however, the city manager may submit
amendments to the capital budget at any time during the fiscal year, accompanied by
recommendations. Any such amendments to the capital budget shall become effective only
upon adoption by ordinance.
SECTION 6.30.
Independent audit.
There shall be an annual independent audit of all city accounts, funds and financial
transactions by a certified public accountant selected by the city council. The audit shall be
conducted according to generally accepted auditing principles. Any audit of any funds by
the state or federal governments may be accepted as satisfying the requirements of this
charter. Copies of annual audit reports shall be available at printing costs to the public.
SECTION 6.31.
Contracting procedures.
No contract with the city shall be binding on the city unless it is:
(1) In writing;
(2) Drawn by or submitted to and reviewed by the city attorney, and as a matter of course,
is signed by the city attorney to indicate such drafting or review; and
(3) Made or authorized by the city council and such approval is entered in the city council
journal of proceedings pursuant to Section 2.21.
SECTION 6.32.
Centralized purchasing.
The city council shall by ordinance prescribe procedures for a system of centralized
purchasing for the city.
SECTION 6.33.
Sale and lease of city property.
(a) The city council may sell and convey, or lease any real or personal property owned or
held by the city for governmental or other purposes as now or hereafter provided by law.
(b) The city council may quitclaim any rights it may have in property not needed for public
purposes upon report by the city manager and adoption of a resolution, both finding that the
property is not needed for public or other purposes and that the interest of the city has no
readily ascertainable monetary value.
(c) Whenever in opening, extending or widening any street, avenue, alley or public place of
the city, a small parcel or tract of land is cutoff or separated by such work from a larger tract
or boundary of land owned by the city, the city council may authorize the city manager to sell
and convey said cut-off or separated parcel or tract of land to an abutting or adjoining
property owner or owners where such sale and conveyance facilitates the enjoyment of the
highest and best use of the abutting owner's property. Included in the sales contract shall be
a provision for the rights-of-way of said street, avenue, alley or public place. Each abutting
property owner shall be notified of the availability of the property and given the opportunity
to purchase said property under such terms and conditions as set out by ordinance. All deeds
and conveyances heretofore and hereafter so executed and delivered shall convey all title and
interest the city has in such property, notwithstanding the fact that no public sale after
advertisement was or is hereafter made.
ARTICLE VII
GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 7.10.
Bond for officers
The officers and employees of the City of Clayton, both elective and appointive, shall
execute such surety or fidelity bonds in such amounts and upon such terms and conditions
as the city council may from time to time require by ordinance or as may be provided by law.
SECTION 7.11.
Prior ordinances.
Existing ordinances and regulations of the City of Clayton not inconsistent with the
provisions of this charter shall continue in effect until they have been repealed, modified, or
amended by the council. The existing rules and regulations of departments or agencies of
the City of Clayton not inconsistent with the provisions of this charter shall continue in effect
until they have been repealed, modified, or amended.
SECTION 7.12.
Section captions.
The captions to the several sections of this charter are informative only and are not to be
considered as a part thereof.
SECTION 7.13.
Penalties.
The violation of any provision of this charter, for which penalty is not specifically provided
for herein, is hereby declared to be a misdemeanor and shall be punishable by a fine of not
more than $1,000.00 or by imprisonment not to exceed 12 months, or both such fine and
imprisonment.
SECTION 7.14.
Existing personnel and officers.
Except as specifically provided otherwise by this charter, all personnel and officers of the
1000 city and their rights, privileges and powers shall continue beyond the time this charter takes
1001 effect for a period of 30 days before or during which the existing city council shall pass a
1002 transition ordinance detailing the changes in personnel and appointive officers required or
1003 desired and arranging such titles, rights, privileges and powers as may be required or desired
1004 to allow a reasonable transition.
1005 SECTION 7.15.
1006 Pending matters.
1007 Except as specifically provided otherwise by this charter, all rights, claims, actions, orders,
1008 contracts and legal or administrative proceedings shall continue and any such ongoing work
1009 or cases shall be completed by such city agencies, personnel or offices as may be provided
1010 by the city council.
1011 SECTION 7.16.
1012 Construction.
1013 (a) The word "shall" is mandatory and the word "may" is permissive.
1014 (b) The singular shall include the plural, the masculine shall include the feminine, and vice
1015 versa.
1016 SECTION 7.17.
1017 Charter review and update.
1018 The city council shall review this charter, and any subsequent amendments thereto, at least
1019 once every ten years from the effective date, and may propose any changes such review
1020 deems necessary.
1021 SECTION 7.18.
1022 Severability.
1023 If any article, section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, or part thereof of this charter shall be
1024 held to be invalid or unconstitutional, such invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect
1025 or impair other parts of this charter unless it clearly appears that such other parts are wholly
1026 and necessarily dependent upon the part held to be invalid or unconstitutional, it being the
1027 legislative intent in enacting this charter that each article, section, subsection, paragraph,
1028 sentence, or part thereof be enacted separately and independent of each other.
1029 SECTION 7.19.
1030 Repealer.
1031 An Act reincorporating the City of Clayton, approved August 17, 1909 (Ga. L. 1909, p. 600),
1032 is hereby repealed in its entirety; and all amendatory Acts thereto are likewise repealed in
1033 their entirety.
1034 SECTION 7.20.
1035 General repealer.
1036 All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this charter are repealed.

## Summaries written by Georgia Commons

The following was written by claude-sonnet-5 from the text above and is not part of the bill. Quote the text, not the summary.

House Bill 1246 replaces the City of Clayton's old 1909 charter with a completely new one, spelling out how the mayor, city council, city manager, and courts will run city government.

### Plain-language summary

The City of Clayton has operated under a charter first approved in 1909. This bill throws that document out and replaces it with a comprehensive new charter that reincorporates the city and lays out its boundaries, powers, and government structure from scratch.
The new charter sets up a council-manager form of government, where an elected mayor and city council set policy and an appointed city manager runs day-to-day operations. It spells out four-year terms for the mayor and council, rules for filling vacancies and removing officials, how ordinances and emergency ordinances are passed, and how the mayor can veto and the council can override that veto. It also creates a municipal court, lays out taxing and bonding powers, budgeting procedures, and personnel rules for city employees. Section 7.19 repeals the 1909 charter Act and all its amendments outright, and Section 7.20 repeals any conflicting laws.

### What it does

- Reincorporates the City of Clayton under an entirely new charter and repeals the 1909 charter Act and all amendments to it.
- Establishes a council-manager government where the council sets policy and an appointed city manager handles daily administration.
- Sets four-year terms for the mayor and council members, residency requirements, and detailed procedures for vacancies and removal from office.
- Gives the mayor veto power over ordinances, subject to override by a four-member council vote.
- Creates the Municipal Court of Clayton and defines its judges' qualifications, jurisdiction, and procedures for bail, fines, and appeals.
- Grants the city broad taxing, bonding, franchise, and property powers, including property taxes, service charges, and general obligation bonds.

### Who it affects

Clayton's elected mayor and city council members, the appointed city manager and other city staff, municipal court judges and defendants, city residents and taxpayers, businesses operating in the city, and utility or franchise holders such as cable and telecommunications companies operating within city limits.

### Why it matters

Because the new charter changes how Clayton is governed day to day, residents would see a clearer division between the elected officials who set policy and the appointed manager who runs operations, new rules for mayoral vetoes, and a formally structured municipal court handling local violations and fines.

### Key provisions

- Section 1.10 through 1.14 reincorporate the city, set its boundaries, and grant it broad general powers of self-government.
- Section 2.10 establishes the council-manager form of government, with the council setting policy and the manager carrying it out.
- Section 2.11 sets four-year terms and a 12-month residency requirement for mayor and council candidates.
- Section 2.26 details a formal process for removing the city manager, including a preliminary resolution, a public hearing option, and a final removal vote.
- Section 2.31 gives the mayor four days to sign or veto an ordinance, with a council override requiring an affirmative vote of four members.
- Article IV (Sections 4.10-4.15) creates the Municipal Court of Clayton, setting judge qualifications, jurisdiction, bail authority, and appeal rights to the Superior Court of Rabun County.
- Article VI (Sections 6.10-6.33) authorizes property taxes, license fees, franchises, utility charges, special assessments, and both general obligation and revenue bonds.
- Section 7.19 repeals the City of Clayton's original 1909 incorporating Act and all later amendments to it.

## Status

- Status: Passed (2026-05-11)
- Last action: Effective Date 2026-05-11 (2026-05-11)
- Sponsors: Victor Anderson
- Official page: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/73009

> The history, votes, and amendments (886 characters) are at https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1246.md?full=1