South Fulton Cityhood Bill Clears Senate Committee

March 14th, 2014

A state Senate committee Thursday approved a bill that would allow voters to incorporate the last portion of unincorporated Fulton County.

Under House Bill 704, a referendum would be held in November on creating a new city of South Fulton.

Bill supporters want cityhood because redrawn district lines are expected to the area’s representation on the county commission.

Sen. Donzella James, R-Atlanta, represents a portion of the proposed city and says cityhood offers greater local control.

“They will be accountable to us. Not just one of the seven county commissioners but all of the people will be accessible to us,” said James, who is carrying the bill in the Senate.

HB 704 cleared the House last month and now has two days left in this year’s legislative session to gain passage in the full Senate.

Bill opponents claim south Fulton residents have little desire to create the new city. Senate Minority Whip Vincent Fort points to a similar referendum held in 2007 where 85 percent of voters said “No.”

Fort also questions the financial viability of the proposed city.

“A mayor that’s going to get paid $65,000. A president of city council making $28,000. Seven councilmembers making [$17,500]. Public Works, sidewalks, streetlights. It’s a monumental undertaking. I’m not sure it’s going to be financially viable.”

In response, James cites a GSU feasibility study showing South Fulton would run a surplus.