Gov. Nathan Deal is looking for community members from South Fulton and Stonecrest to help prepare the areas to become cities next year.

Deal announced Tuesday he will form five-member commissions responsible for setting up the southside cities, which voters approved in the Nov. 8 election.

The city of South Fulton will have about 100,000 residents, and Stonecrest will cover about 50,000 people in southeast DeKalb County.

“As we continue to work with the General Assembly to form these commissions, we seek the assistance and leadership of individuals in these areas to help guide residents and facilitate the new cityhood process,” Deal said in a statement.

Georgia law authorizes the governor to form commissions to transition governmental functions from counties to newly formed municipalities.

These commissions will oversee services and facilities, tax collections and fees, and negotiate intergovernmental agreements. They won’t have the ability to enter into binding agreements, spend public money or incur liabilities.

The interim representatives will serve until the cities’ first mayors and city councils take office after elections in March. Those chosen for commissions won’t be eligible to run for elected office in their cities.

The governor's office is accepting applications and recommendations for commission members at appointments@georgia.gov.

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