Georgia § 17-12-4 - Authority of council; annual audit.

Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 17-12-4 — Authority of council; annual audit., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 17-12-4. Authority of council; annual audit.

The council: Shall be a legal entity; Shall have perpetual existence; May contract; May own property; May accept funds, grants, and gifts from any public or private source, which shall be used to defray the expenses incident to implementing its purposes; May adopt and use an official seal; and May establish a principal office. The council shall establish auditing procedures as may be required in connection with the handling of public funds. The state auditor shall be authorized and directed to make an annual audit of the transactions of the council and to make a complete report of the same to the General Assembly. The annual audit shall disclose all moneys received by the council and all expenditures made by the council by revenue source, including all programs and special projects itemized in the General Appropriations Act. The annual audit shall include an itemization by revenue source of encumbered and reserved money. Revenue sources shall include each county governing authority's expenditures which are made pursuant to Code Sections 17-12-31 and 17-12-32 and city or county expenditures which are made pursuant to subsection (d) of Code Section 17-12-23. The state auditor shall also make an audit of the affairs of the council at any time when requested to do so by a majority of the council or by the Governor or General Assembly. The council may not provide compensation from its funds to any administrative or clerical personnel employed by the council if the personnel are then receiving retirement compensation from any retirement or pension fund created by Title 47 to provide compensation for past services as a judicial officer, prosecuting attorney, indigent defense attorney, court officer, or law enforcement officer except for county or municipal retirement funds. (Code 1981, § 17-12-4 , enacted by Ga. L. 2003, p. 191, § 1; Ga. L. 2008, p. 846, § 17/HB 1245; Ga. L. 2011, p. 91, § 2/HB 238.)

Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 17-12-4

What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 17-12-4 cover?

Section 17-12-4 ("Authority of council; annual audit.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Georgia § 17-12-4?

A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 17-12-4" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Georgia law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.

How does Georgia § 17-12-4 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.