Proposals to abolish DeKalb County's powerful CEO position are advancing through the Georgia General Assembly, but their chances of passing remain uncertain.
Two pieces of legislation, House Bill 1099 and Senate Bill 378, would call for a referendum in November to replace DeKalb's elected CEO with a professional county manager who would oversee government operations. The county manager would be hired by the DeKalb Board of Commissioners.
DeKalb's House representatives will likely determine the next step.
They could allow DeKalb voters to decide on their form of government in a referendum, or they could launch a more comprehensive charter review process before putting the issue on the ballot.
Rep. Pam Stephenson, D-Decatur, said she will present a recommendation Wednesday after legislators have heard from county residents at three public meetings.
“We’re asking the citizens for their input,” said Stephenson, the chairwoman of the DeKalb House delegation’s Policy Committee. “We just have to see where everyone is.”
Several residents visited the Capitol on Monday to seek a more transparent process. Some were concerned about how the legislation redraws DeKalb Commission districts, expanding from five districts to seven or more.
“I really resent this being shoved down our throat,” said Deborah Brunson, who lives in South DeKalb. “Don’t do this in the dark.”
HB1099, sponsored by Rep. Scott Holcomb, is pending in the House. SB378, sponsored by Sen. Fran Millar, passed the Senate on Friday on a 36-15 vote.
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