Section 36-82-4.1. Advertisement of bond elections in counties having population of 400,000 to 500,000; use of bond funds

   (a) In addition to the requirements of Code Sections 36-82-1 through 36-82-4 governing elections for the issuance of bonds, in all counties of this state having a population of not less than 400,000 nor more than 500,000 according to the United States decennial census of 1990 or any future such census, every legal advertisement of a bond election shall contain a reference that any brochures, listings, or other advertisements issued by the governing body in such counties, or by any other person, firm, corporation, or association with the knowledge and consent of the governing body, shall be deemed to be a statement of intention of the governing body concerning the use of the bond funds; and such statement of intention shall be binding on the governing body and shall limit the expenditure of any such bond funds to the purpose specified in such statement of intention, unless the governing body uses such bond funds for the retirement of bonded indebtedness in the manner provided by subsection (b) of this Code section. Such statement of intention shall also be set forth in the resolution pursuant to which such bonds are issued.

(b) The governing body in the counties specified in subsection (a) of this Code section may, by a two-thirds' vote, declare any project which has been proposed pursuant to a statement of intention provided for in subsection (a) of this Code section to be unnecessary. In that event, the governing body shall use such bond funds for the payment of all or any part of the principal and interest on any bonded indebtedness of such county then outstanding.

(c) In the counties specified in subsection (a) of this Code section, interest received from bond funds which have been invested and surpluses from the overestimated projects shall be used first to complete underestimated projects; and all remaining funds received from interest and overestimated projects shall be used for other projects or improvements which the governing body in such counties may deem necessary and which are encompassed within the language of the statement of purpose in the election notice. Any meetings of any governing bodies at which any bond fund allocation is made shall be open to the public. Such meetings shall be announced to the news media in advance and shall be open to the news media.

(d) In the counties specified in subsection (a) of this Code section, 90 percent of the net proceeds received from sale of the bonds less:

   (1) Amounts allocated to the payment of bond issuance expenses;

   (2) Amounts allocated for purchase of furnishings and equipment;

   (3) Amounts allocated for contingencies; and

   (4) Amounts allocated for work to be performed by employees of the issuing entity and materials and equipment therefor

shall be obligated for payment pursuant to a contract or contracts within 36 months from the date of issuance and delivery of such bonds. The remaining bond proceeds shall either be obligated pursuant to a contract or contracts or actually expended within 48 months from the date of issuance and delivery of such bonds. Any bond proceeds not expended or obligated within 48 months from the date of issuance and delivery of such bonds shall be paid to the sinking fund for the retirement of the bonds issued. For purposes of this subsection, land which is being acquired through condemnation proceedings shall be considered obligated for payment pursuant to a contract in an amount equal to the sum of moneys deposited with the court pursuant to a special master or other appropriate judicial proceedings. The provisions of this subsection shall apply to all general obligation bonds issued and delivered on or after December 1, 1986.

Code 1933, § 87-201.1, enacted by Ga. L. 1981, p. 1439, § 1; Ga. L. 1982, p. 3, § 36; Ga. L. 1988, p. 1921, § 1; Ga. L. 1992, p. 1232, § 1.