The Norcross City Council voted recently to table a resolution changing the mayor and council terms from two to four years. A lively debate ensued at the city’s recent council meeting around the need for citizen input on the issue. Mayor Bucky Johnson noted the change would bring Norcross elected terms in line with the majority of cities in the state. A quick search found Duluth, Lilburn, and Lawrenceville officials all serve four-year terms.

If approved, the change would allow the Norcross City Council to provide for staggered terms of office, with elections of the mayor and/or councilmembers in odd-numbered years.

Prior to the council’s vote to table the issue, several residents spoke out against four-year terms. Several council members expressed a desire to take the issue to the next municipal election for a vote by Norcross citizens. A motion was made to table the issue to the next policy session in order to determine if the issue can be legally placed on the ballot.

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Yemaya Lyles (right) wipes away tears during a news conference in front of the Rockdale County Public Schools administration building on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. Lyles' son, Antonio, was assaulted by a paraprofessional, who has since been fired and charged with battery. Lyles says her case against the school district has dragged on since then. (Miguel Martinez/AJC 2023)

Credit: Miguel Martinez