Athens-Clarke County Commissioners will revisit a measure to lower quorum requirements at Tuesday’s meeting.
Usually, quorum-related issues fail to generate much controversy, but some commissioners say that certain lawmakers’ low attendance rates stifle the commission’s efficiency. The proposal drops the quorum requirement from seven to six commissioners -- meaning that ordinances could pass with as few as four votes.
However, some commissioners have questioned whether changing quorum rules would address absenteeism issues, and may vote against the proposal.
Because the proposal requires a change to the county's charter, Tuesday's vote is first of two required votes on the proposal. However, if the measure fails on Tuesday it is dead, and Mayor Kelly Girtz, who originally floated the idea, would have to start the process over from the beginning.