GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — A majority in Gwinnett County has voted to approve the incorporation of a new city despite months of feasibility questions and an ongoing legal battle.
On Tuesday, the referendum passed with a majority of 57% of the vote. The vote comes amidst a legal battle led by Gwinnett County resident Stephen Huges, who’s challenging the city’s incorporation due to concerns over its charter being unconstitutional.
The Georgia House of Representatives' majority leader, Chuck Efstration, who sponsored the referendum for Mulberry, said the suit should be dropped.
“The city charter makes it clear that no city property tax would be imposed in Mulberry, and the lawsuit by those same individuals is arguing that the charter is un-connotational because it specifically says you can’t impose a property tax,” said Efstration.
Questions have also come up concerning funding for the city after a feasibility study conducted by Valdosta State University and paid for by Gwinnett County suggests Mulberry would run out of money. However, representative Efstration said that’s simply not true because it would operate just like any other community.
“The Mulberry city was carefully vetted by experts who deal with city creation, and they considered local contributions to taxes…local funds that are received from taxes that are already paid so there would be revenue that would be received by the local government that would cover all costs associated with the city operation,” Efstration explained.
As far as what’s next, residents will vote for their five-member city council on the November Ballot. In the interim, Efstration explained that the governor, by law, can appoint a transition committee to review issues that the new city may face and make sure the city can get up and running by then.
Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson, who has previously expressed opposition to the creation of a 17th city, released a statement following last night’s vote.
“The County recognizes that through the referendum process, the residents of this area of Gwinnett have expressed their preference for the incorporation of the city of Mulberry. As we move forward, the County is committed to supporting the next steps in this process, ensuring a smooth transition and collaboration with all stakeholders to address the needs and aspirations of the community effectively.”