Council Mulls Redistricting Map, Again

After rejecting a proposed map that would redefine election district boundaries in a 5-2 vote on June 6, Douglasville City Council members will consider a newly-drawn map tonight. The new map will change which council members represent which wards. New census data means the City of Douglasville must change current ward boundaries for municipal elections. See Douglasville Patch stories here and here.

The new map, which is attached to this article, was discussed by council members at a committee meeting held on June 14. Under the newest version of the map, two men who have announced their desire to run for city council will both be able to run for the election being held this November, Gary Warner and Richard Segal.  Read Douglasville Patch stories here and here.

After discussions tonight, the council members could vote to approve the new map at Monday's regular city council meeting but it would still have to be approved by the Department of Justice before implementation in time for this November's election. If DOJ does not approve the map in time, election district boundaries will likely remain the same as they are currently.

Also on tonight's agenda for discussion, council members will consider if the Douglasville Police Department will permanently take over code enforcement duties from the city's Development Services Department.

This could mean an armed Douglasville Policeman could be the person asking residents if they have the proper yard sale paper work, as well as investigating any other infractions normally under the jurisdiction of Code Enforcement.

The city council first discussed the matter at a council committee meeting held on June 14. Since the council can not discuss personnel matters at a public meeting, it is unclear why they are considering the move or what will happen to the current three Code Enforcement employees.

Several council members voiced concerns about the Police Department taking over Code Enforcement duties.