Council directs manager to gather best practices on city attorney selection, return within 90 days

The Newnan City Council voted to direct the city manager to gather comparative information on best practices for city attorney qualification, search and vetting processes from similarly sized cities in Georgia and from state/professional resources such as the Carl Vinson Institute of Government and the Georgia Municipal Association. The original language asking the manager to 'develop' a qualification process was amended after council debate; members emphasized that staff should gather information and present options for council adoption rather than unilaterally creating a final qualification matrix.

Council agreed on a 90‑day return timeline and asked that the research focus on comparable cities in Georgia. Staff said the timeframe could be extended if necessary but expressed confidence they could compile findings in roughly 90 days and would provide status reports if delays occurred.

The motion passed by voice vote. The council expects to use the information gathered to shape any formal selection and vetting process at a future work session or meeting.