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House approves Mulberry annexation; lawmakers split over service-transition bill
Summary
The Georgia House on Thursday approved a legislative annexation expanding the corporate limits of the newly incorporated city of Mulberry and separately approved a related service-transition bill, handing the measures narrow majorities after hours of debate over local control and county finances.
ATLANTA — The Georgia House on Thursday approved a legislative annexation that expands the corporate limits of the newly incorporated City of Mulberry and separately passed a related measure intended to govern the transition of county-delivered services to the new city.
Supporters said the annexation rectifies boundary issues after last year’s cityhood vote and ensures residents near Mulberry have local control over planning and zoning. Opponents said the two bills were rushed through and would force Gwinnett County to subsidize services for Mulberry while reducing the county’s control and legal protections.
Representative Evestration, who presented Senate Bill 139, told the chamber the annexation would bring nearby commercial parcels and other properties into Mulberry’s limits to yield more coherent service delivery and to reflect “community of interest” boundaries. Evestration said residents who voted for cityhood deserve continuity in services and that the annexation had support from the representatives whose districts are affected.
Opponents, including Representatives Sam Park, Jasmine…
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