After many fits and starts, it appears likely that Dunwoody residents will get a chance to vote this summer on whether or not to become a city.

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The House debated the Dunwoody proposal nearly 90 minutes Wednesday before passing it, 106-60. The Senate is expected to sign off on a few minor changes today before sending the bill to Gov. Perdue for his signature.

The debate had some lively moments, which included pointed references to Vernon Jones, DeKalb County's chief executive officer, and the competence of the county government. When the bell was ringing for lawmakers to vote, Rep. Fran Millar (R-Dunwoody) was out in a hallway chasing down supporters of the measure, who were chatting with visiting U.S. Sens. Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson.

Republican Rep. Jill Chambers, who lives in Dunwoody, opposes the referendum. She said from the House podium that critics have accused her of having an affair with Jones, who also opposes the referendum. Chambers denied their accusations.

"Vernon Jones, whom I have not slept with, will tell you that I oppose many of the things he wants do down here," Chambers said.

Republican Rep. Mike Jacobs, whose district is just south of the proposed city, said the DeKalb CEO has hindered the incorporation movement, without naming Jones. Jacobs said DeKalb County's commissioners have too many constituents to serve properly.

House Majority Leader Jerry Keen (R-St. Simons) told about growing up in Dunwoody when it was little more than a country crossroad. Now the area is so grown up that its residents deserve the opportunity to vote on creating a city, he said.

Rep. Alan Powell (D-Hartwell) said the debate over Dunwoody is typical of the "nasty" local disputes that some metro Atlanta lawmakers ask the Legislature to referee. Historically, the Dunwoody proposal would have been handled by DeKalb's delegation. But advocates bypassed the delegation to keep it alive.