A resolution to the City of Blue Ridge’s Charter that was rescinded has made it’s way to the Georgia House of Representatives.
The resolution, now named House Bill 739, which attempted to incorporate staggered terms and vacancies that can be appointed by the council, was passed February 21, 2020, and then rescinded May 19, 2020.
Councilwoman Rhonda Haight confirmed that the resolution had been rescinded on the date mentioned.
“We did vote to do that, but we questioned it,” Haight said of Section 3 of the bill.
This resolution is not to be confused with the November 30, 2020, resolution that was approved to incorporate staggered terms. This resolution omitted the council’s appointments.
Section 3 states that “in the event that the office of mayor becomes vacant during the first two years of a mayor’s term, the city council shall appoint a councilmember to serve as mayor until an election can be held concurrently with the next municipal general election to fill the remainder of the unexpired term.
“In the event that the office of mayor becomes vacant during the last two years of a mayor’s term, the city council shall appoint a councilmember to serve as mayor for the remainder of the unexpired term.
“(2) In the event that the office of councilmember becomes vacant during the first two years of a councilmember’s term, the city council shall appoint a qualified resident of the city to said office until an election can be held concurrently with the next municipal general election to fill the remainder of the unexpired term.
“In the event that the office of a councilmember becomes vacant during the last two years of a councilmember’s term, the city council shall appoint a qualified resident of the city to said office for the remainder of the unexpired term.”
Monday, Georgia Speaker of the House David Ralston’s Director of Communications Kaleb McMichen said, “It’s in committee right now, so it’ll have to come out and then hit the local calendar to be voted, so it could be changed up until that point.”