Fulton County Commission Chairman Mike Kenn believes the perceived inequity between north and South Fulton County is coming to an end.

"The big difference has been the high-end housing in the north part of the county. That's already starting to happen in the south," he said.

If the upscale homes come, more and more retail and commercial developments will also come to the area. But Kenn said another inequity will take more than homes and shops to overcome.

"Right now, there's a huge difference in test scores in north and South Fulton schools. I think the residents need to really focus on the school board races and making their representatives accountable," he said.

Until test scores start evening out, Kenn said there will be economic impediment for many companies deciding to locate in the area.

The chairman also addressed the recent efforts of a group of residents wanting to leave Fulton County and join Coweta County. Kenn approved the de-annexation process, but isn't so sure it will come to fruition.

"I understand the Coweta County commissioners are taking another look at that, so we're not sure what's going to happen," he said.

During a lengthy discussion this summer of annexing nearly 17,000 acres into the county, the Coweta County commissioners wondered about creating a fire tax district to help pay for services the new residents would need.

The residents are already paying a fire tax in Fulton County and applauded loudly in favor of a tax district in Coweta County.

"Do whatever you have to do. We just want to be in Coweta County," said Bill Creel, who represented many of the disgruntled Fulton residents.

Creel said the 400 residents would bring a tax base of nearly $55 million and some of the “prettiest land around� into the county.

One of the overriding concerns of many of the commissioners is water. Many residents in Coweta County have not been connected to the water system yet, and Commission Chairman Vernon â"Mutt" Hunter wants it made clear that Fulton residents would be at the back of the line.

"We've been in Fulton County for 62 years and never demanded water, so I don't think that's a problem," Creel said.

John Folsom, who also represented the homeowners, said it is a simple question to resolve.

The commission members said they plan a comprehensive study of the issue before any decision is reached.

One of Kenn's latest issues to try and get some tax relief for all Fulton County residents is a reworking of the MARTA tax. Currently, only Fulton and DeKalb residents pay the penny tax to support the system.

If Kenn has anything to do with it, residents in adjoining counties will have to start anteing up for the system.