Before any more communities become cities in Georgia, they'd have to show their impact on surrounding areas, according to a bill that passed the state Senate on Monday.
Senate Bill 375 would write into law the process for incorporating new cities. Currently, proposed municipalities must show their financial viability and win legislative approval, but the rules for cityhood aren't formalized in statute.
Eight cities have been created in the metro Atlanta since Sandy Springs incorporated in 2005. Voters approved forming the city of Tucker in November.
The legislation, which senators approved on a 55-1 vote, requires a feasibility study demonstrating the economic viability of a proposed municipality, as well as its financial impact on unincorporated areas and other municipalities.
“Voters will have more information,” said Sen. Elena Parent, D-Atlanta.
Referendums on incorporations would be held at the same time as general elections in November, according to SB375.
The bill also calls for cityhood bills to go through a two-year process at the Georgia General Assembly and to be introduced in odd-numbered years.
The legislation is based on the work of study committees that evaluated Georgia's cityhood process last fall. The measure will now be considered by the Georgia House of Representatives.
About the Author
