How we are governed
The City of Sandersville is governed by a mayor-council form of local government. The Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem are elected by popular vote in an at-large election and serve four-year terms. Four members of City Council are elected by post and serve four-year terms and the Mayor Pro Tem holds the fifth seat. City elections are non-partisan.
The Mayor and Council are policy makers for the City of Sandersville and their role is to provide vision and guidance. The Mayor and Council enact local laws necessary for the protection of the public health, safety and welfare of the city's residents. They also are responsible for adoption of an annual budget, and the levying of taxes necessary to finance government operations.
Any resident of Sandersville who has resided in the city for at least one year prior to an election is eligible to serve as a City Council member or as Mayor. Those seeking Council seats must also reside in their respective Posts for 12 months prior to the election. Candidates must be registered to vote and must also meet certain specified qualification standards.
Management
In Georgia most municipalities have one of the following forms of government: the strong mayor-council form, the weak mayor-council form, or the council-manager form of government. Sandersville operates under the strong mayor-council format. The mayor serves as the city's chief executive officer and has full responsibility for the city's daily operations. Accordingly, the mayor and council possess the power to hire and fire department heads and other city staff, to prepare and administer the city's budget, and to execute contracts. The mayor and council appoint a professional administrator to assist in carrying out the daily operations of the city.
The City of Sandersville employs a City Administrator, a City Clerk and full-time administrative staff. The City Administrator handles the day-to-day administration and financial management of the city and all department heads report to the administrator. The city clerk is custodian of the official city seal, maintains city council records required by the City charter, and performs other duties assigned by the city council. An annual budget is adopted each year. The City's fiscal year ends with the month of December.
The City Administrator, City Clerk and other administrative staff can be contacted at city hall.