Clayton County could have a county manager within two years if a plan approved this week by county leaders is successful.
Clayton's board of commissioners took steps at Tuesday night's meeting to create the position by approving a resolution to ask state lawmakers to amend a state code that would, first, give more power to county managers in general and let Clayton create its own county manager post. The resolution passed 4-1, with chairman Eldrin Bell casting the dissenting vote.
Commissioner Michael Edmondson who introduced the resolution said having a county manager would create a more efficiently run government.
If approved, the job would not go into effect until Jan. 1, 2013, a day after the current chairman's term ends, Edmondson noted.
"This was not (done) to disrepect our current chairman or criticize past chairmen," said Edmondson who is in favor of a nationwide candidate search if the job is created. "But the county has changed and is at a point where it needs something better than what we've got in my opinion. We have a larger and denser population than ever before and our population is expected to grow by tens of thousands more people. Many of our problems have become more urban in nature and we need to address those as best we can. A county manager form of government to run day-to-day operations is the best way to do that."
But detractors say it would dilute the chairman's powers and could be used as a way to further various political group's agendas. Clayton currently operates under what's called a strong chair form of government which gives the chairman of the board of commissioners sole executive legislative, and administrative authority.
Clayton's resolution would not only create a county manager but would also give county managers in general executive powers in addition to administrative power. Under the plan, Clayton's county manager would be responsible for overseeing county departments and divisions, handling the county budget and participating in a non-voting capacity in commission meetings.
This is not the first time county officials have tried to place someone in an appointed position to oversee county government. Several years ago, commissioners appointed then-fire chief Alex Cohilas as chief of staff. Bell sued the board and Cohilas had to be re-appointed after a Superior Court judge ruled the appointment was done improperly. In December, Cohilas retired from the job which remains vacant.
Clayton is the second southside community looking at changing its style of government. Stockbridge is trying to change its form of government so the city is run by a city administrator instead of a mayor. Mayor Lee Stuart and city council have been at-odds for more than a year, prompting Stuart to sue the council after his vetoes were repeatedly overridden. Stockbridge is looking to the state for clarification of duties of the mayor and other officials as part of the settlement of Stuart's lawsuit.
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