Georgia gives the City of Eatonton a new charter with a seven-member council and a city administrator

The act reincorporates the City of Eatonton under a new charter and sets how the council is elected. It covers the City of Eatonton in Putnam County, its voters, and its mayor and councilmembers. Terms are four years, with seats staggered so the council is a continuing body, and current members serve out their remaining terms. Candidates must be at least 21, live in the city for 12 months, and for ward seats live in the ward for six months. A conviction for a crime of moral turpitude bars service. Elections are held every two years in odd-numbered years on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Vacancies with 12 months or more left are filled by special election; a shorter remainder is filled by council appointment. The charter takes effect July 1, 2026. The 1908 charter and its amendments are repealed.

The charter creates a city administrator position and sets the mayor's and council's roles. It covers the mayor, council, city administrator, and city employees. The mayor presides over council meetings but votes only in elections and impeachments, can suspend employees pending council investigation, and can pardon ordinance offenders or suspend municipal court sentences with approval from four of seven councilmembers. The administrator must get council approval before buying unbudgeted items over $500. The mayor and council deal with employees only through the administrator, except for council investigations.

The charter sets conflict of interest rules and penalties for officials and employees. It covers elected officials, appointed officers, and employees of the city and its agencies. Officials must disclose financial interests in matters before the city and step out of related decisions. Contracts made in violation with a party's knowledge can be voided by the council. The mayor and councilmembers cannot hold another elected or paid city office or work for the city during their term, and cannot hold paid appointed city jobs for a year after leaving office. A person who forfeits office for violations is ineligible for appointment, election, or employment in city government for three years.

The charter lists the city's taxing, borrowing, budgeting, and court powers. It covers the City of Eatonton, taxpayers, utilities with city franchises, and people charged with city ordinance violations. A proposed operating budget must be submitted at least 60 days before the fiscal year starts, and total appropriations from any fund may not exceed estimated balances, reserves, and revenues. An independent certified public accountant must audit city accounts every year. A municipal court judge must be at least 25, a member of the State Bar of Georgia, with three years of practice. The council has 180 days to pass a transition ordinance for existing personnel and officers.