Fulton creates new economic development department

Fulton County will create a Division of Economic Development, a coordinating agency to work with chambers of commerce and city economic development departments throughout the county to recruit businesses. It will cost $750,000 in 2012's budget, but Chairman John Eaves said its efforts will generate revenue and jobs.

South Fulton Commissioner William "Bill" Edwards, who dissented, questioned whether the division's efforts would be equitable to all areas of Fulton. Commissioner Robb Pitts criticized hiring more bureaucrats during a time of budget cutting.