The Georgia State Capitol. Photo by Ken Lund, obtained via Wikimedia Commons

The state Senate passed three DeKalb reform bills Tuesday, designed to create more transparency within DeKalb County. Now the measures head to Governor Nathan Deal’s desk, according to the AJC.

The three bills create a government financial watchdog position, tighten purchasing rules, and make changes to the Board of Ethics’ authority.

DeKalb County Commissioner Kathie Gannon released a statement on the reform bills, saying the measures originated from the recommendations of the citizen committee Blueprint to Redefine DeKalb, and the laws were sponsored by Senators Elena Parent and Gloria Butler and Representative Scott Holcomb.

The AJC report noted the DeKalb Operations Task Force also led the initiative for the bills.

Gannon said in the news release, “What is particularly remarkable about these reforms is that a group of DeKalb citizens researched the problems, drafted recommendations based on best practices and pushed for their enactment by the General Assembly. With the problems facing DeKalb, it is reassuring that a group of engaged citizens can bring about important changes such as these.”

DeKalb Strong, a group opposed to the cityhood and annexation process, also hailed the passage of the bills.

In an email, DeKalb Strong said, “Our thanks to Blueprint, for helping to craft these recommendations, Sen. Elena Parent and Rep. Scott Holcomb, for sponsoring them, and all of you, for your tireless calls and emails that helped get these bills though the General Assembly.”