§ 14-24. Emergency powers.

In the event of a manmade or natural disaster, actual enemy attack upon the United States, or any other emergency which may effect the lives and property of the cities and towns within the county, the chairperson of the board of commissioners, jointly with the mayors of the cities and towns within the county, or in their absence a legally appointed successor chairperson or mayor pro tem, may declare that a state of emergency exists and therefore shall have and may exercise for such period as such state of emergency exists or continues, the following emergency powers:

(1)

To enforce all rules, laws, and regulations relating to emergency management and to assume direct operational control over all emergency management resources.

(2)

To seize, take or temporarily use, or condemn any property for the protection of the public.

(3)

To sell, lend, give, or distribute all or any such property or supplies upon the inhabitants of the county: to maintain a strict accounting of property and supplies distributed and for funds received for such property or supplies.

(4)

To perform and exercise such other functions and duties, and take such emergency actions as may be necessary to promote and secure the safety, protection and well-being of the inhabitants of the county.

(Res. of 3-10-1983, § IV)

State law reference

Rules, etc., authorized, O.C.G.A. § 38-3-28; powers of local governing bodies during state of emergency or disaster, O.C.G.A. § 38-3-54.