East Cobb cityhood bill calls for 2020 referendum during primary

State Rep. Matt Dollar, R-Marietta, introduced legislation on Friday to incorporate a new city of East Cobb.

Last week, the cityhood movement held its first public forum with hundreds of residents, many of whom expressed skepticism of the proposed city.

Lawmakers won’t have an opportunity to discuss, let alone vote, on the bill until next year. Per state law, new cities must go through a two-year legislative process.

If it’s signed into law, the bill calls for a referendum to be held during the general primary preceding the 2020 general election. If it passes, elections for mayor and council members would be held at time as the 2020 general election.