DeKalb reform bills approved by Georgia House

The Georgia House of Representatives passed three bills today that would overhaul DeKalb County's financial controls and ethics oversight.

The legislation would create an independent auditor, change how members of the Board of Ethics are appointed and tighten county purchasing rules.

The measures now move to the Georgia Senate for further consideration, where three similar bills are already pending.

“Everyone understands these measures are incredibly important to remedying issues with the county,” said their sponsor, Rep. Scott Holcomb, D-Atlanta. “They need to happen and there’s no reason for further delay.”

But the Senate versions of these bills haven’t advanced because Sen. Fran Millar, R-Atlanta, wants lawmakers to first approve legislation that would freeze residential property assessments at current levels. That measure would prevent residents’ property taxes from rising unless elected officials raise tax rates.

Sen. Elena Parent, the sponsor of the Senate bills, said they should pass independently of the property assessment freeze.

“Hopefully Senator Millar will recognize their importance to the citizens of DeKalb and join with every other elected official in the county in supporting them,” said Parent, D-Atlanta.