The City of Conyers operates under a charter established by the Georgia General Assembly. Understanding what that document controls — and what it would take to change it — matters now more than ever.
By CJ Lester | CJ Lester Investigates | February 27, 2026
CONYERS, Ga. — Most residents of Conyers have never read the city charter. Most never need to. But as questions emerge about the structure and compensation of the mayor's office, the charter has become a document worth understanding.
What Is A City Charter
A city charter is the foundational legal document that defines how a city government is organized and how it operates. It establishes what offices exist, what authority each office holds, how officials are elected or appointed, and how public money can be spent.
In Georgia, city charters are not written by city governments. They are enacted as state law by the Georgia General Assembly. That means the City of Conyers cannot change its own charter. Any amendment requires action by state legislators in Atlanta.
How Conyers City Government Is Structured
The City of Conyers operates under what is known as a council-manager form of government. Under this structure the city council holds legislative authority — meaning it sets policy, approves budgets, and makes binding decisions for the city. The city manager, appointed by the council, handles the day-to-day administration and operations of city government. The mayor serves as chairman of the city council but does not hold executive authority over city operations the way a strong mayor would in other cities.
This is commonly referred to as a weak mayor system. The title carries no negative meaning — it simply reflects that administrative power rests with the city manager rather than the mayor.
What The Mayor Is Paid
Under the current charter the mayor receives a monthly stipend of $800, totaling $9,600 per year. City council members receive $700 per month. Both figures represent the first compensation increase in approximately twenty years, effective January 2024. Prior to that increase the mayor received $275 per month and council members received $200 per month.
The council voted unanimously in March 2022 to approve the increase. At the time Councilman Gerald Hinesley noted the time had come to address the compensation issue, and then-Mayor Vince Evans said the new rates were in line with comparable cities.
What It Would Take To Change The Charter
Because the Conyers city charter is state law, amending it requires the following steps. A state legislator representing Conyers would need to introduce a local bill in the Georgia General Assembly. That bill would need to pass both the Georgia House and Senate. The Governor would need to sign it into law. In some cases charter amendments also require a local referendum allowing Conyers residents to vote on the change directly.
This is not a process the mayor or city council can initiate on their own. It requires engagement with state government and in some circumstances a public vote.
Why This Matters Now
CJ Lester Investigates has received a tip from a source indicating that there may be interest in pursuing a charter amendment that would convert the mayor's position from its current part-time stipend structure to a full-time salaried position. This has not been confirmed through documents. An Open Records Act request has been filed with the City of Conyers seeking all communications related to potential charter changes from January 7, 2026 to present.
Additionally, records already obtained by this outlet show that City Attorney Carrie Bootcheck raised questions in writing about the scope of mayoral authority under the current charter in connection with a separate matter before the city council. Those questions are relevant to any broader conversation about what the charter does and does not allow the mayor to do unilaterally.
Conyers residents have a right to know if their city's foundational legal document is being considered for changes. If a charter amendment is pursued it would require action by state legislators who represent Rockdale County — and in some cases a public vote.
CJ Lester Investigates will report on any developments in this investigation as records are received and information is verified. Tips related to this story can be submitted confidentially at cjlester.com.
CJ Lester Investigates covers government accountability in Newton and Rockdale Counties. This report references prior reporting by Alice Queen, Rockdale Citizen, March 19, 2022. Contact: cjlester.com
Add comment
Comments