Friday, May 31, 2002
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Friday, May 31, 2002 |
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Fayette, Fairburn spar over annexation By JOHN
THOMPSON
For more than two hours Wednesday, the Fayette County Commission picked the brains of the counterparts in Fairburn over a controversial annexation request. Fairburn's city leaders acted as agents for the Bedford School, which wants to annex nearly nine acres of its property in unincorporated Fayette County on Milam Road into Fairburn. The property is part of a 47-acre site owned by the school. Before Wednesday's meeting, the County Commission had indicated they would study this issue carefully, since Fairburn would become Fayette's sixth city if the annexation was passed. Fairburn city attorney Brad Sears told the County Commissioners that the general assembly had passed a law in 2000 that allows city to annex property across county lines. He said Bedford officials indicated they wanted all their land under one jurisdiction and said they were confused about whom to call in case of an emergency on the portion of the property that's not in Fairburn. But Commissioner Linda Wells pointed out that Fayette's emergency services department has a higher rating than Fairburn's. Department of Fire and Emergency services director Jack Krakeel also said his department has an automatic response agreement with Fulton County, so no matter whom the Bedford School calls for help, Fayette County will also be on the scene. Other issues discussed included what would happen if the Bedford School sold the property. "That property could be zoned commercial," said Commissioner Herb Frady. Sears said it could, but added the property could be zoned commercial in Fayette County as well. The County Commission fired several questions at Fairburn Mayor Betty Hannah about what services the city would provide to the property if it's annexed. "Police, fire, water and sewer," she said. But Commission Chairman Greg Dunn pointed out that many of the city's services are contracted through Fulton County or Atlanta. "This is a very serious request. That's why we're asking so many questions," said Dunn. Fairburn City Councilman Harvey Melear told the County Commission that the city was only doing what it was supposed to do, and had not initiated the proceedings. "We'd love to have them in Fairburn, but it's no real advantage to us," he said. In fact, the Fairburn City Council will not actually discuss the annexation request until Fayette County makes up its mind. The county has 30 days to make a decision or not respond back to the city.
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