State senators scuttled a bill that would have created term limits for the mayor of Stonecrest and reduced his voting power.
The Senate declined to act on House Bill 600, letting it die as this year's legislative session ended early Friday morning.
The legislation would have limited the mayor to serving two consecutive terms.
It also would have eliminated the mayor’s ability to vote, except to break a tie by the City Council.
“Now, the mayor and City Council don’t have a separation of powers,” said Rep. Doreen Carter, D-Lithonia, the bill’s sponsor. With five council members and the mayor voting on issues, “we’re set up for ties.”
The city of Stonecrest held its first elections this month, voting in Jason Lary as the municipality's first mayor.
The bill originally would have redrawn City Council district borders, but that provision was removed last week.
The measure will be reconsidered next year, Carter said.
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