Cities discuss local impact of new ethics bill | GainesvilleTimes.com

Joint Municipal Association members discussed the ethics reform bill that the Georgia General Assembly passed this year at their meeting Monday evening in Gainesville.

Part of the legislation, which was sent to Gov. Nathan Deal earlier this month, impacts city and county public officials and their staffs by returning the filing of the campaign contribution reports and personal financial disclosure reports to the local level.

Deal has not signed the bill yet. It would take effect in January.

Gillsville Mayor Larry Poole asked if there’s an appeal process. Two of his City Council members have been fined $125 under the current law and are ready to quit because they’re paid $25 a month, Poole said. Nobody collects campaign funds in that area.

Gainesville Mayor Danny Dunagan said the new legislation hurts small cities because they can’t afford to employ clerks.