GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Gwinnett County’s soon-to-be second-largest city is one step closer to becoming a reality despite its ongoing legal battle. Earlier this year, residents voted to approve a referendum to create the City of Mulberry.
On Monday, an interim committee appointed by the governor held its first meeting to get the city up and running.
“I hope it’s a step in the right direction,” Angelia Boucher, resident.
Residents celebrate the progress as they move closer to a fully functioning city.
“The people have spoken. A lot of the individuals that moved up here moved for a reason: they want a little elbow space, they want a little room, and that’s now being encroached on,” said Kyle Shield, a resident who is also running to be on the council of the new city.
During the public meeting, the interim committee, put in place by Gov. Brian Kemp, voted and appointed vital positions, including a chairman, a secretary and an attorney.
“There are a lot of activities related to starting up a city, and to help the councilman to get elected in November, we want to make sure that they’re not starting at ground zero,” newly appointed Chairman Jerry Hanes said.
Hanes added that the city will start drafting the intergovernmental agreements for services that Gwinnett County will provide, including police and fire, and begin requesting bids for other services the city will need.
“We’re going to be submitting an RFP for multiple services around its finance administration and other services related to the city," he added.
The new city of Mulberry will not control all services; it will only have authority over planning and zoning, code enforcement and stormwater management.
“Tonight is the first step into that future, a future where our community has local control over planning and zoning and no city property taxes,” said Georgia House of Representatives majority leader Chuck Registration.
Mulberry's creation is being challenged in court over concerns about the city's alleged unconstitutional charter. The lawsuit will go before a judge next Monday.