Elections Are Over. What's Next For Brookhaven?

A long and contentious debate over cityhood, followed by a long and contentious series of elections, are all over. So what's the next step for Brookhaven on the road to cityhood?

Bill Riley, an Atlanta attorney who has volunteered his legal advice to the Brookhaven Commission, spoke with Patch late Tuesday night about what's next:

First of all, DeKalb County has to officially certify Tuesday's election results, said Bill Riley, an Atlanta attorney who has volunteered his legal advice to the Governor's Brookhaven Commission. Mayor-elect J. Max Davis estimates that should happen by the end of this week.

Then, the new mayor and city council must be sworn in.

Riley said at that point, an agenda would be drafted for the commission's first meeting and notifications sent. That agenda could include items such as the appointment of an acting city clerk, attorney and city manager.

Davis said the council cannot meet without a city clerk to record minutes of the meeting.

Riley said that the agenda could also include the approval of tax anticipation notes, which is how the new city will be funded during its beginning.

Then comes a search for a permanent city manager and attorney, and the hiring of a police chief. The mayor and city council will also take over negotiations with DeKalb County over which services the county will continue to provide. Riley said all services currently provided by DeKalb, including police and 911, are paid for through the end of 2012.

Brookhaven city council members-elect Jim Eyre and Joe Gebbia both told Patch they believe having a fully staffed police force by mid-2013 is a realistic goal.

Related Items:

Patch's Complete Guide To Brookhaven's Incorporation.