Wednesday, June 19, 2002
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Wednesday, June 19, 2002 |
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Fayette says, 'Thanks, but no thanks,' to Fairburn's annexation request
By JOHN
THOMPSON
Fayette County decided last week it did not need another municipality in the county. By a unanimous vote, the County Commission denied Fairburn's request to annex nearly nine acres of property in unincorporated Fayette County on Milam Road into Fairburn. The property is part of a 47-acre site owned by the Bedford School, which wanted all of its property in one jurisdiction. In its resolution opposing the annexation, county officials said there was no compelling reason for the annexation. "This annexation request is not consistent with the long-range economic and overall well-being of the counties, school districts and municipalities affected by the annexation," read the resolution. The document also disclosed other problems with the annexation, including: Public safety issues would remain the same, and not receive any additional benefit from annexation. Department of Fire and Emergency Services Chief Jack Krakeel told the county that his department automatically responds to any call at the site. No evidence was brought forth showing any benefits of the annexation. In fact, the resolution recounts Fairburn Councilman Harvey Melear saying there were more disadvantages to annexation. Melear said they were requesting the annexation because Bedford School officials requested it. Fairburn city attorney Brad Sears told the county commissioners in an earlier meeting that the General Assembly had passed a law in 2000 that allows a city to annex property across county lines. The Fairburn City Council will now discuss the annexation request and forward their response to Fayette County.
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