(a) There is created and established the Georgia County Leadership Academy. Except as otherwise provided in Code Section 36-20-4, all costs of operating and conducting the academy shall be paid for from public funds appropriated for such purposes.
(b) The academy shall have the power, duty, and authority to design, implement, and administer the course of training and education required by Code Section 36-20-4.
(c) The initial course of training and education required by Code Section 36-20-4 shall be conducted by the academy on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November of 1990 and completed before January 1, 1991. Subsequent courses shall be conducted by the academy biennially between the Tuesday after the first Monday in November and before January 1 of the following year or as otherwise changed by general law. The academy shall have sole responsibility for determining the exact date or dates the course of training and education shall be conducted.
(d) The academy shall establish guidelines and procedures to permit any person elected or appointed as a member of a county governing authority after January 1 of a calendar year or any person who is unable to attend or complete the course of training and education when offered by the academy due to medical disability, providential cause, or any other reason deemed sufficient by the academy, to comply with the requirements of Code Section 36-20-4.
(e) The academy shall perform such other duties and have such other powers and authority as may be necessary and proper or as prescribed by general law.