COLUMBUS CONSOLIDATED GOVERNMENT
COUNCIL MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and Councilors DATE: September 13, 2013
FROM: Isaiah Hugley, City Manager SUBJECT: Draft 2014 Proposed
Legislative Agenda
Attached are the proposed legislative agenda items for the 2014 Legislative
Session. Please review and let us know if you have questions and/or concerns.
The proposed legislative agenda with resolutions will be listed for discussion
and vote on the September 24, 2013 Council Agenda.
The annual Hometown Connection/Legislative Agenda Meeting with our State
Delegation and other governmental agencies is scheduled for Tuesday, October 1,
2013 from 11:00a.m. until 1:15p.m. at the Trade Center.
If you have questions or concern regarding items listed or if you would like to
add or delete items, please let us know as soon as possible.
Attachment:
- Draft Proposed 2014 Legislative Agenda
/ekt
Columbus Consolidated Government
2014 PROPOSED Legislative Agenda ? DRAFT
1. OLOST - HOTEL/MOTEL EXEMPTIONS
The Columbus Consolidated Government is requesting that the Local Legislative
Delegation introduce legislation to amend O.C.G.A. 48-8-96 (h) (1) so that it
only applies to LOST referenda held after January 1, 2011, thereby leaving the
original two exemptions contained in the 2004 legislation in place in Columbus,
Georgia. (Carry over from 2013 Session - Requested by Councilor Henderson)
2. MILITARY RETIREE STATE TAX EXEMPTION:
Rationale: Of the five states that border Georgia, four do not tax military
retiree pay. Georgia does not tax the first $35,000 of retirement income for
citizens 62 years old and older. Military veterans who retire at younger ages
from active service and begin to receive payments immediately do not benefit
from this program. This puts border cities at a competitive disadvantage when
attracting veterans to the area. These veterans work in Georgia but pay
property and income taxes in border-states. With the growth of Fort Benning
due to BRAC, active and retired military are choosing to live in Russell and
Lee Counties in Alabama while working at Fort Benning. Our community benefits
when these families choose to live in Columbus. Exempting military retiree pay
from state income tax will help attract military retirees to Columbus.
(Requested by: Mayor?s Revenue Commission and Chamber of Commerce) (HB 469
2/16/13 was introduced ? No action taken)
Explanation: This item is not included on the CCG?s Legislative Agenda. The
mayor and city manager joins the Chamber of Commerce and the Mayor?s Revenue
Commission in support of this item.
3. SCRAP METAL PROCESSORS:
The Columbus Consolidated Government is requesting the local legislative
delegation support legislation to make two amendments to the Secondary Metal
Recyclers Act contained at O.C.G.A. Sections 10-1-350 et seq. as follows:
(Requested by the Copper Theft Task Force) (Carry over from the 2013 Session)
Explanation:
1. To amend O.C.G.A. ?10-1-355 to allow metal recyclers to make cash payments
not to exceed $50.00 for regulated metal property.
2. To amend O.C.G.A. ?10-1-356 to reinstate the criminal charge of ?Prohibited
Acts, False Statement of Ownership? which was contained in that code section
prior to the 2012 amendments made by HB 872.
4. SALES TAX ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY USER SAFEGUARD (STATUS) ACT 2014:
The Columbus Consolidated Government is requesting the state take necessary
steps to ensure the full collection and timely remittance of all sales and use
taxes due to the state and to local governments, whether such steps include
additional funding for the Department of Revenue for audits and compliance
purposes, privatizing sales tax collections or allowing local governments to
collect and audit local sales taxes locally. (Carry over
2010/11/12/13)(Requested by Pam Hodge, Finance Director)
(2013 SESSION NO GENERAL BILL INTRODUCED ? DELEGATION SUPPORTS)
Explanation/Example:
1. Require the Department of Revenue to collect data showing sales tax
collections in cities;
2. Fully capture all data, whether electronically or manually filed;
3. Require the Department of Revenue to share sales tax data for collections
within municipal boundaries;
4. To the extent required to protect taxpayers, support confidentiality and
privacy of information shared with cities;
5. Support efforts to increase audits to ensure compliance; and,
6. Allow for more timely remittance of sales tax dollars to local governments.
5. CORONER OFFICE ? FEES:
The Columbus Consolidated Government is requesting that the local legislative
delegation introduce legislation to allow all coroners to charge certain set
fees for specific reports and documents in excess of the standard $.10 per page
permitted by the open Records Acts. (Requested by Coroner Buddy Bryan)
6. RESIDENTIAL SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT FACILITY:
The Columbus Consolidated Government is requesting legislation recommending the
state take necessary steps to fund an adolescent residential treatment facility
in Muscogee County. (Requested by Mary Bode, Juvenile Court). (Carry over from
2013)
Explanation: Currently, there is a need in the community for a residential
substance abuse treatment facility for adolescents. In 2006, Alchemy
Residential Treatment Facility operated by New Horizons Community Service Board
was closed. The Muscogee County Juvenile Drug Court participants that are in
need of a higher level of treatment are being placed in DHR facilities
throughout the state of Georgia. Recently, four DHR facilities have closed
limiting placement resources for the Muscogee County Juvenile Drug Court.
These existing DHR placements require transportation and participants receive
minimal family engagement in the treatment process due to the distance of the
placement locations. Drug Court staff travel weekly to treatment facilities
to conduct intakes, discharges and treatment progress meetings. A facility
located in Columbus, Georgia would benefit the community by reducing travel
expenses and will assist with staff utilization more efficiently. This will
also enable the youth to remain enrolled in the Muscogee County School District
with less academic disruption. The Muscogee County Juvenile Drug Court
continues to strive to enhance services for substance abusing adolescents and
this need being met will assist in increasing staff and family engagement both
in the treatment and re-entry processes.
7. TECHNOLOGY FEE
The Columbus Consolidated Government is requesting legislation that will repeal
the sunset provision and allow Columbus, Georgia to add a fee to state mandated
fines as approved for other cities in Georgia. (Requested by Recorder?s
Court Administrator/Judge Cielinski)
Explanation: Recorder?s Court provides citizens of Muscogee County with fair
and impartial justice, promote public safety, enhance public trust and
confidence, and safeguard the constitutional rights of all who appears in this
court.
Recorder?s Court is requesting removal of the sunset provision. Traffic
tickets will not go away. This fee should apply to all tickets. The state law
as written does not allow the city of Columbus to impose the fee on state
mandated fines. In checking with the Administrative Office of the Courts, we
are the only city with that limitation.
Requesting a $25 fee be imposed due to startup costs instead of the $15.00
fee. There is a lot of startup cost. (Per Judge Cielinski)
#1
A RESOLUTION
NO._________
A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE LOCAL LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION INTRODUCE
LEGISLATION TO AMEND O.C.G.A. 48-8-96(1) (I) SO THAT IT ONLY APPLIES TO LOST
REFERENDA HELD AFTER JANUARY 11, 2011, THEREBY LEAVING THE ORIGINAL TWO
EXEMPTIONS CONTAINED IN THE 2004 LEGISLATION IN PLACE IN COLUMBUS, GEORGIA.
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have discussed issues important to the
efficient operation of the Columbus Consolidated Government and the quality of
life for its citizens; and,
WHEREAS, this issue requires action in the 2014 General Assembly
Session.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES AS
FOLLOWS:
We hereby respectfully request that the local Legislative Delegation to
the Georgia General Assembly introduce legislation at the 2014 Session to amend
O.C.G.A. 48-8-96 (h) (1) so that it only applies to LOST referenda held after
January 1, 2011, thereby leaving the original two exemptions contained in the
2004 legislation in place in Columbus, Georgia.
________________________________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia,
held the ________ day of _______________, 2013 and adopted at said meeting by
the affirmative vote of _______ members of said Council.
Councilor Allen voting __________.
Councilor Baker voting __________.
Councilor Barnes voting __________.
Councilor Davis voting __________.
Councilor Henderson voting __________.
Councilor Huff voting __________.
Councilor McDaniel voting __________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting __________.
Councilor Thomas voting __________.
Councilor Woodson voting __________.
____________________________ ___________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor
#2
A RESOLUTION
No. _____
A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE LOCAL LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION INTRODUCE
LEGISLATION THAT WOULD ALLOW AN EXEMPTION SIMILAR TO THAT IN ALABAMA FROM STATE
INCOME TAX FOR MILITARY RETIREES.
WHEREAS, this legislation will allow Columbus, Georgia to remain a competitive
economic hub that continues to attract military families and retirees to our
community; and,
WHEREAS, a copy of Ala.Code 1975 ? 40-18-20. Exemptions ? Military Retirement
Benefits is attached and hereby made a part of this resolution; and,
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have discussed issues important to the efficient
operation of the Columbus Consolidated Government and the quality of life for
its citizens; and,
WHEREAS, this issue requires action in the 2014 General Assembly Session.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
We hereby respectfully request that the local delegation to the Georgia General
Assembly introduce legislation at the 2014 General Assembly that would allow an
exemption similar to that in Alabama from state income tax for military
retirees to maintain Columbus, Georgia as a competitive economic hub that
continues to attract military families and retirees to our community.
__________________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the
________ day of ___________, 2013 and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of ______ members of said Council.
Councilor Allen voting _____________.
Councilor Baker voting _____________.
Councilor Barnes voting _____________.
Councilor Davis voting _____________.
Councilor Henderson voting _____________.
Councilor Huff voting _____________.
Councilor McDaniel voting _____________.
Councilor Thomas voting _____________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________.
Councilor Woodson voting _____________.
_____________________________ ________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor
#3
A RESOLUTION
No.______
WHEREAS, the Secondary Medal Recyclers Act contained at O.C.G.A. Sections
10-1-350 et seq. was amended significantly during the 2014 legislative session
by HB 872; and,
WHEREAS, the enactment of these amendments to the Secondary Metal Recyclers Act
left two code sections for which the Columbus Copper Theft task force has
recommended further revision in order to assist law enforcement in their
efforts to address this constant criminal activity and to protect the
efficiency of small transactions, and this Council desires to request such
revisions to O.C.G.A. Sections 10-1-355 and 10-1-356.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES:
We hereby request that the local delegation to the Georgia General
Assembly introduce legislation amending the Act as follows:
1) To amend O.C.G.A. ?10-1-355 to allow metal recyclers to make cash payments
not to exceed $50.00 for regulated metal property.
2) To amend O.C.G.A.? 10-1-356 to reinstate the criminal charge of ?Prohibited
Acts, False Statement of Ownership? which was contained in that code section
prior to the 2012 amendments made by HB 872.
_____________________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia held on the
________ day of ________________, 2013, and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of ______ members of Council.
Councilor Allen voting _____________.
Councilor Baker voting _____________.
Councilor Barnes voting _____________.
Councilor Davis voting _____________.
Councilor Henderson voting _____________.
Councilor Huff voting _____________.
Councilor McDaniel voting _____________.
Councilor Thomas voting _____________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________.
Councilor Woodson voting _____________.
____________________________ _________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor
#4
A RESOLUTION
NO._____
A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE LOCAL LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION
INTRODUCE/SUPPORT LEGISLATION TO ENSURE THE FULL COLLECTION AND TIMELY
REMITTANCE OF ALL SALES AND USE TAXES DUE TO THE STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS.
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have discussed issues important to the efficient
operation of the Columbus Consolidated Government and the quality of life for
its citizens; and,
WHEREAS, this issue requires action in the 2014 General Assembly Session.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
We hereby respectfully request that the local legislative delegation to the
Georgia General Assembly introduce/support legislation requiring sales tax
point of sale data by the Georgia Department of Revenue or private contractor
be provided to municipalities.
__________________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the
________ day of ___________, 2013 and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of ______ members of said Council.
Councilor Allen voting _____________.
Councilor Baker voting _____________.
Councilor Barnes voting _____________.
Councilor Davis voting _____________.
Councilor Henderson voting _____________.
Councilor Huff voting _____________.
Councilor McDaniel voting _____________.
Councilor Thomas voting _____________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________.
Councilor Woodson voting _____________.
________________________________ _________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Teresa Pike
Tomlinson, Mayor
#5
A RESOLUTION
NO._________
A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE LOCAL LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION INTRODUCE
LEGISLATION THAT WOULD ALLOW ALL CORONERS TO CHARGE CERTAIN SET FEES FOR
SPECIFIC REPORTS AND DOCUMENTS IN EXCESS OF THE STANDARD $.10 PER PAGE
PERMITTED BY THE OPEN RECORDS ACTS.
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have discussed issues important to the
efficient operation of the Columbus Consolidated Government and the quality of
life for its citizens; and,
WHEREAS, this issue requires action in the 2014 General Assembly
Session.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES AS
FOLLOWS:
We hereby respectfully request that the local Legislative Delegation to
the Georgia General Assembly introduce legislation at the 2014 Session that
would allow all coroners to charge certain set fees for specific reports and
documents in excess of the standard $.10 per page permitted by the Open Records
Acts.
___________________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia,
held the ________ day of _______________, 2013 and adopted at said meeting by
the affirmative vote of _______ members of said Council.
Councilor Allen voting __________.
Councilor Baker voting __________.
Councilor Barnes voting __________.
Councilor Davis voting __________.
Councilor Henderson voting __________.
Councilor Huff voting __________.
Councilor McDaniel voting __________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting __________.
Councilor Thomas voting __________.
Councilor Woodson voting __________.
_____________________________ __________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Teresa Pike Tomlinson,
Mayor
#6
A RESOLUTION
No. ________
A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE LOCAL LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION INTRODUCE/SUPPORT
LEGISLATION TO FUND AN ADOLESCENT RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT FACILITY IN MUSCOGEE
COUNTY.
WHEREAS, currently there is a need in the community for a residential substance
abuse treatment facility for adolescents due to the closing of the Alchemy
Residential Treatment Facility operated by New Horizons Community Service Board
in 2006; and,
WHEREAS, the Muscogee County Juvenile Drug Court participants that are in need
of a higher level of treatment are being placed in DHR facilities throughout
the state of Georgia and recently, four DHR facilities closed limiting
placement resources; and,
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have discussed issues important to the efficient
operation of the Columbus Consolidated Government and the quality of life for
its citizens; and,
WHEREAS, this issue requires action in the 2014 General Assembly Session.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
We hereby respectfully request that the local legislative delegation
introduce/support legislation to fund an adolescent residential treatment
facility in Muscogee County.
__________________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the council of Columbus, Georgia, held the
________ day of ___________, 2013 and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of ______ members of said Council.
Councilor Allen voting _____________.
Councilor Baker voting _____________.
Councilor Barnes voting _____________.
Councilor Davis voting _____________.
Councilor Henderson voting _____________.
Councilor Huff voting _____________.
Councilor McDaniel voting _____________.
Councilor Thomas voting _____________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting _____________.
Councilor Woodson voting _____________.
_____________________________ __________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor
#7
RESOLUTION
No. ______
A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE LOCAL LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION INTRODUCE
LEGISLATION WOULD ALLOW A TECHNOLOGY FEE FOR STATE MANDATED FINES AS APPROVED
FOR OTHER CITIES IN GEORGIA.
WHEREAS, the Administrative Office of the Courts as opined that an act of the
Georgia General Assembly is necessary to repeal the sunset provision and allow
Columbus, Georgia, Recorder?s Court to add a fee to state mandated fines as
approved for other cities in Georgia; and,
WHEREAS, this Council desires that the local legislative delegation introduce
local legislation at the 2014 Session of the Georgia General Assembly.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES:
We hereby respectfully request that the local delegation to the Georgia General
Assembly introduce local legislation at the 2014 Session Assembly to take all
necessary action to repeal the sunset provision and allow Columbus Georgia to
add a fee to state mandated fine as approved for other cities in Georgia. .
_____________________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia held on the
_______ day of ___________, 2013, and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of ______ members of Council.
Councilor Allen voting ________________.
Councilor Baker voting ________________.
Councilor Barnes voting ________________.
Councilor Davis voting ________________.
Councilor Henderson voting ________________.
Councilor Huff voting ________________.
Councilor McDaniel voting ________________.
Councilor Pugh voting ________________.
Councilor Thomas voting ________________.
Councilor Woodson voting ________________.
______________________________ _________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor
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