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Decatur City Commission will pick mayor, pro tem at Jan. 6 meeting

Decatur

Decatur City Commission will pick mayor, pro tem at Jan. 6 meeting

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Mayor Jim Baskett was first elected mayor in 2013. In Decatur, Ga., mayors are selected by fellow city commissioners.

Mayor Jim Baskett

Decatur’s quirky system of governing will be front and center this Monday, Jan. 6, as commissioners consider appointing the city’s mayor and mayor pro tem.

Both positions are chosen by the commission at the first meeting of the calendar year. The mayor and pro tem serve one year terms. Mayor Jim Baskett was first elected in 2013, succeeding Bill Floyd who resigned his commission seat to take a consulting job. Commissioner Kecia Cunningham was elected pro tem in 2013. Commissioner Scott Drake was elected to Floyd’s District 1 commission seat in March.

Floyd was first elected mayor in 1998 and held the position until his resignation.

The mayor has certain official duties under the city’s charter. Decatur’s mayor makes $500 a month, $100 more than the pro tem and other commissioners. The mayor serves as the city’s official head of government for ceremonial purposes, but wields no veto powers. Most importantly, the mayor chairs commission meetings  and has the power to convene meetings. The mayor pro tem serves in the mayor’s absence, according to the charter.

The Jan. 6 meeting begins with a work session at 6 p.m. and will be held at city hall located at 509 North McDonough Street in Decatur, GA.