Fulton commissioners pass decorum meeting law after tempers flare
Fulton County commissioners have approved a decorum ordinance Wednesday aimed at cooling passions and preventing cursing during meetings.
Commissioner Liz Hausmann, who represents part of northern Fulton, brought the legislation forward after a July meeting during which Commissioner Marvin Arrington, Jr. used expletives from the dais on microphone.
The conversation concerned public safety spending and fixing the COVID-19 court backlog, with Arrington arguing that the district attorney and sheriff need more money or else prisoners could go free.
“How did we get to this point?” Arrington asked. “I want to say it’s unintentional. But then I look on the agenda and I see Commissioner [Liz] Hausmann saying we’ve passed the lowest millage rate ever.”
Arrington, who represents part of southern Fulton, then pounded his fist on the desk in front of him with his voice raising: “[F***] the lowest millage rate. I don’t give a darn about the lowest millage rate. Where’s the money that the DA’s office needs? Where’s the money that the Sheriff’s Office needs?”
Arrington on Wednesday said he felt he was the target of the new decorum policy. He was the sole vote against the measure.
“What may be offensive may not be offensive to another,” he said. “There is no opportunity for self-correction or doesn’t give credit if someone self-corrects.”
Hausmann said Wednesday they have had a decorum policy, “but it had no teeth.”
The new set of rules requires that commissioners and staff members “shall treat each other and the public in a dignified, courteous and respectful manner; value all opinions; be tolerant of others and; recognize that inappropriate behavior damages the perception of the County I hope that we never have to use it.”
If a commissioners feels there’s been a violation, they should raise a point of order. The commission chair then rules on the issue or allows the whole board to decide by a majority vote. The accused commissioner then has a chance to defend themselves before the board votes. A violation is determined by a super-majority of five votes.
The first violation is a fine up to $250, then if a second violation comes within 12 months there’s threat of a $500 fine, and in the case of a third within 12 months the fine would not exceed $1,000.
“I hope that we never have to use it,” Hausmann said.
Arrington said this was all too subjective, adding that things he has been admonished for earn him applause from his constituents.
“I am who I am, I’m not going to change,” Arrington said. “ ... The people will let me know what it’s the time to go.”
About the Author
Ben Brasch is the reporter tasked with keeping Fulton County government accountable. The Florida native moved to Atlanta for a job with The AJC. If there's something important to you going on in Fulton, he wants to know about it. Help him better metro Atlanta by dropping a line, anonymously or otherwise.
