Hufstetler

THOMASVILLE — A Thomasville City Council member who was sworn into office in January has not attended state-mandated training required for new members of municipal governing bodies.

“I think I did miss it,” said Council member David Hufstetler, who was sworn into office on Jan. 8. “I don’t remember why I didn’t do it.”

Todd Mobley, also a new council member, attended the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) in March. The training also was conducted in Athens in February.

“It (the training) is mandated by the state,” said Amy Henderson, GMA director of communications and marketing. “We offer two classes each year. Our records do not show he (Hufstetler) has attended that class.”

The classes, lasting one and a half days, provide an introduction to government and sessions on ethics, finances, the Georgia Open Meetings Law and basic city operations.

Georgia law states officials “shall enroll in, attend and satisfactorily complete a course of training and education on matters pertaining to the administration and operations of municipal governments.”

Expenses incurred by the newly-elected member of a municipal governing authority — including costs of housing, travel and meals — shall be paid from public funds appropriated for such purposes, the law states.

Although state law requires the training, there is no penalty for failure to do so, Henderson said.

Hufstetler was elected on Nov. 7, 2017. On Nov. 20, 2017, the city paid $360 to GMA for Hufstetler’s attendance at a session. Hufstetler said he will reimburse the city.

“We offer the classes every year, so if they don’t get in one year, they can get in the second year,” Henderson said.

She said GMA averages about 500 newly-elected mayors and council members every two years.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820