An ongoing political power struggle in DeKalb again has raised the question of whether the county should scrap its chief executive officer in favor of a county manager.
A divided county commission recently asked state lawmakers to set up a study commission that would decide if the county should make the switch — from an elected official to an appointed professional. DeKalb is the only county in the state with a CEO-run government.
“There are some fatal flaws about this form of government that really cause real issues on service delivery and quality of life issues,” said Commissioner Lee May, a critic despite being regarded as a viable CEO candidate in the future.
As part of DeKalb’s unique setup, the CEO establishes the budget but the spending must be approved by commissioners. This has created showdowns over money, such as the commission’s effort to abolish the public safety director job.
The commission removed funding and expected William Miller to be let go. However, Miller remains employed after CEO Burrell Ellis argued that the commission cannot eliminate specific jobs or people.
Ellis, in support of the leadership position he holds, said he believes such a division of power makes DeKalb more accountable to voters. Residents apparently agree. No one has asked for a structure change in the 40 community meetings Ellis has held since taking office three years ago.
“It’s not a priority of the people,” Ellis said. “People in this county are focused on jobs, housing and economic growth. That is what we should be focusing on, too.”
Late last week Ellis issued a symbolic veto of the resolution asking for the study. He cited worries that bond rating agencies could again downgrade the county’s credit over concern that the government appears unstable.
But only one commissioner, Kathie Gannon, voted against the study on Dec. 13. That gives the board enough votes to easily override Ellis’ action when it reconvenes in January.
Gannon said state lawmakers have more pressing matters, such as statewide redistricting. But supporters say the issue is at least worth a closer examination.
The county’s legislative delegation will take up the question, along with other county requests, when the General Assembly convenes next month.
A change to the county’s form of government leadership doesn’t have universal support. State Rep. Howard Mosby, D-Atlanta, chairman of the DeKalb delegation, has said he believes the issue is not about structure. He supports smaller changes to the county’s Organizational Act, similar to a charter, that focus on improving communication.
“Before we entertain the wholesale idea of getting rid of it, let’s examine if the problem is the system or the personalities,” Mosby said.
Some commissioners insist the problem is the system. Commissioner Jeff Rader said creating a study commission was not meant as a swipe at Ellis.
“This is not intended to be a reflection on the existing administration but instead to get more expert information on this particular issue,” Rader said.
If the Legislature approves a study, any recommended changes would need voter approval before they could take effect. In the meantime, more money battles are likely for the county.
Commissioners have already said they want to cut more spending from Ellis’ proposed 2012 budget, a $547 million plan unveiled last week.
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