Pros, cons of Brookhaven vote offered

A state House committee charged with recommending whether to allow a referendum for a city of Brookhaven heard Tuesday from a fairly divided group of residents on the issue.

Nearly three dozen residents and several local lawmakers spoke for two hours on the merits and drawbacks of carving a new city out of north-central DeKalb County. Supporters are seeking a vote on the merits, regardless of whether residents support the idea. Opponents, meanwhile, have asked for a delay to answer questions about the proposed city's budget and the effect on the rest of DeKalb.

The House Government Affairs Committee, which is charged with recommending whether to allow a vote on the bill, meets again next week to discuss the matter.