DeKalb leaders support Charter Review study

DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond signed an executive order to create a DeKalb Charter Review Commission on March 27 at the Georgia Capitol. The document was also signed by DeKalb Commissioner Jeff Rader, presiding officer of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners; State Rep. Karla Drenner, who chairs the DeKalb House delegation; and Sen. Emanuel Jones, who chairs the DeKalb Senate delegation.

CEO Thurmond pictured with DeKalb County Commission, House and Senate leaders

“Today is a historic day for DeKalb County,” said Thurmond. “The signing of the executive order is evidence that DeKalb is ready to work with our local leaders and stakeholders to thoroughly examine the county’s current form of governance and improve the delivery of services to all of our citizens.”

During the 2018 session of the Georgia General Assembly, leadership in the DeKalb House and Senate delegations worked with Thurmond and the Board of Commissioners to develop the purpose and framework of the commission.

The Charter Review Commission will be comprised of 17-members charged with examining the DeKalb County form of government by conducting a comprehensive review of the DeKalb County Organizational Act with the goal of identifying ways to improve the form of government to its highest quality and most efficient form.

The Charter Review Commission will convene from May 1, 2019, to Dec. 31, 2020. A final report and recommendations will be issued by Dec. 31, 2020.