Bill > HB766

This bill creates the Sumter-Americus Unification Commission, a six-member body tasked with studying the potential consolidation of local governments in Sumter County, Georgia, including the governments of Americus, Andersonville, De Soto, Leslie, and Plains. The commission will conduct comprehensive research and, if deemed beneficial, draft a charter for a single county-wide government that would replace the existing municipal and county governments. The commission members will include key local leaders, such as the county commission chairperson and Americus mayor, along with two at-large business community representatives. The bill authorizes the commission to employ staff, hold public hearings, and study all aspects of government consolidation. If a proposed charter is developed, it will be submitted to voters in a referendum, which requires approval from both Americus city voters and the overall county electorate. The proposed charter can address various governmental functions, including establishing a new governing structure, transferring assets and obligations, and creating special tax districts, but cannot alter the school district, eliminate certain elected offices, or impair pension rights. The commission will be dissolved after the referendum, either immediately if unification is approved or by January 1, 2029, if it is not. The bill provides a detailed framework for the potential creation of a consolidated government, with specific provisions for elections, charter development, and transition of governmental powers.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/71336