Lee May: Atlanta lawmakers have 'no legal authority’ to annex North Druid Hills
This morning, we offered you maps of two annexation pushes by the city of Atlanta on its southwest and eastern flanks. The latter would push the city deeper into DeKalb County by enveloping North Druid Hills.
Lee May, the interim DeKalb County CEO, just gave us more evidence that the fight will heat up next week, after Day 30 festivities. He’s sent out this statement:
"The delegation to the city of Atlanta has no legal authority to annex territorial boundaries outside of its jurisdiction. The General Assembly should immediately expound on who has jurisdiction, and clarify such legislative proposal is within the jurisdiction of the DeKalb County delegation.
"Additionally, there have been no studies to determine the impact this annexation will have on citizens of DeKalb County or the city of Atlanta. There has been no consideration given to those residents in Druid Hills, whose taxes will rise as a result of the loss of their current exemptions.
"The flawed legal definition of the boundaries is likely to yield unintended consequences. Proposed boundaries further overlap the proposed city of LaVista Hills.
"Moreover, no analysis or consideration is being given to the disruption this annexation will cause our DeKalb County and Atlanta Public Schools. Parents and students increase taxes, water bills, and sanitation fees for Druid Hills residents, resulting from the loss of current exemptions and DeKalb County services.
"What we do know is the residents in the Druid Hills community will be impacted by an increase in taxes and fees as a result of this unlawful annexation. We do not know by how much, and that is a problem.
"I call on members of the legislature to delay any action until the proper studies and testimonies of those affected by this attempt to change local government are obtained. Let's take the necessary time to debate and analyze this issue in a more appropriate manner."
About the Author
Jim Galloway, the newspaper’s former political columnist, was a writer and editor at the AJC for four decades.
