Lavonia Becomes a City of Civility, Officially

The Lavonia City Council has voted to make Lavonia a City of Civility.

Lavonia joins more than 77 other municipalities across the state that have adopted the City of Civility Resolution.

In order to become a City of Civility, city councils are required to adopt a Civility Resolution and pledge to engage in civil behavior with each other as well as with residents and meeting attendees.

The City of Civility campaign was begun by the Georgia Municipal Association earlier this year and according to CEO & Executive Director Larry Hanson, it’s designed to encourage municipalities across the state to model a code of conduct based on mutual respect.

At their City Council meeting this week, City Manager Charles Cawthon pointed out that Lavonia already has a similar code of conduct at meetings in place.

Mayor Courtney Umbehant added that the City of Civility Resolution does not change or add to the ordinance already in place.

Councilman Eddie Floyd noted that the City Council has always conducted meetings with civility and respect for citizens and will continue to do so.

He then motioned to approve the resolution.

That was seconded by Councilman Michael Schulman and it passed unanimously.