Gov. Brian Kemp has signed into law Senate Bill 231, allowing voters to decide if Mayor Garnett Johnson gets a full-time vote.
Local Republican legislators crafted the legislation at the request of Johnson, who garnered support from five of Augusta’s 10 commissioners for the request.
The bill calls for a referendum to go on the May 2024 general primary ballot asking voters if Augusta’s mayor can vote on all commission matters.
Since consolidation with Richmond County in 1996, Augusta’s mayor has only been allowed a vote in the event of a 5-5 commission tie. Commissioners on one side of an issue have tended to abstain from voting to avoid giving the mayor that opportunity.
Augusta’s mayor currently lacks formal authority over city affairs. If voters approve the referendum, he’ll be able to steer the city’s direction by aligning with half the commission.
In a statement, Johnson applauded Kemp’s decision to sign the bill, which he did April 19.
“I strongly believe that, as the only member of the Commission elected by the city at-large, this action will give us the ability to get things to done for our constituents,” Johnson said.
During his mayoral campaign, Johnson said he wanted the people’s consent before making changes to the government.
“I’m excited that this legislation allows the voters to make the ultimate decision on whether the mayor should have a vote,” he said. “It is my hope that the citizens of Augusta recognize this opportunity to have a long-lasting impact on our local government and to continue moving Augusta forward in a more effective and efficient way.”
The bill is approximately the 18th signed by Kemp from the 2023 session. It passed the house March 14 along party lines, with “no” votes from Augusta’s Democratic legislators.
Monday bill-signing ceremony in Augusta
Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp will appear in Augusta Monday for a bill-signing ceremony for three other bills supporting Georgia’s economy and workforce.
At 2 p.m., he and others will deliver remarks prior to the signing of HB 128, SB 213, and HB 230 at the Linda Beazley Room of Augusta Municipal Building, 535 Telfair St.
