Council members tentatively scheduled a public hearing and town hall for February to gauge feedback and gather input from city residents regarding possible amendments to the municipal charter and animal ordinance.
Among proposed changes, including some designed to bring the city charter into compliance with state statutes, is a recommendation by City Manager Russell Thompson to move from a plurality to a majority voting system for city elections.
Under the current “plurality” mandate, if three or more candidates run for city office, the candidate receiving the highest number of votes would win the election, regardless of turnout or percentages. Using this method, a small percentage of eligible voters could determine election outcomes.
A change to “majority” would require 50 percent plus one of ballots cast to determine a winner in any race. Moving to a majority mandate opens the possibility of a runoff election, but would reduce the chance of a fraction of voters choosing representation for an entire district or the city population, Thompson said.
Local elections cost approximately $7,000 to $8,000, according to city officials.
A public hearing on charter amendments is scheduled for 6 p.m. Feb. 7, prior to city council’s first regular meeting in February.
Council members suggested a town hall meeting prior to council’s second regular meeting of the month, Feb. 21, to discuss possible changes to the city animal ordinance.
Councilman Ryan Tucker and Mayor Pro Tempore Doug Head agreed that community input is necessary, while Head and Councilman Don Greathouse stated “common sense” is a key ingredient to determining animal welfare. Greathouse added that animal cruelty should be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Thompson said the city previously has deferred to state law for local animal control issues. Code enforcement personnel noted that animal cruelty often is subject to officer discretion.
Among debates topics are tethering and shelter of pets.
•Council set qualifying fees for mayoral (incumbent J.D. Stallings) and District 1 (incumbent Lakeitha Reeves) and District 2 (incumbent Jeff Middlebrooks) council member elections, slated Nov. 7. Qualifying opens Aug. 21 with a $324 fee for mayor and $216 fee for each council seat. Early voting will start Oct. 16.
•Council voted unanimously to approve an intergovernmental agreement with Upson County for information technology services. City cost will be $20,000 per quarter ($80,000 annually), up from $17,000 quarterly ($68,000 annually) last year. The expense will be less than if IT service had been included in joint projects with the county, Thompson said.
•Council authorized one of two bids - $6,000 and $10,000 - from Thompson Trucking & Land Clearing for demolition of a structure at 209 South Church Street, the corner of South Church and West Lee Streets. The high bid, which includes removing the concrete pad, was less than half of the next lowest bid received, according to staff. Previously the site of a vehicle detailing business, the lot will provide additional downtown parking, according to city officials.
•Council approved the reappointments of Robert Chatman and Richard Hollstrom to the Thomaston Zoning Commission.
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