In some people’s minds it was only a matter of time. In the minds of others, it will never happen. House Resolution 12 introduced Jan. 9 by Alpharetta Rep. Jan Jones calls for the break-up of Fulton County that could result in the re-creation of Milton County on the north side and, presumably, Campbell County on the south side.

Though not mentioned by name, the resolution introduced by the north Fulton legislator appears to target the two counties that merged with Fulton during the Depression years.

If approved, the legislation would pave the way for an exception that would allow the re-creation of “a previously existing county which was merged into another county.”

The measure would have to jump several hurdles to be brought into reality. Debate and a legislative vote could come in 2007 or 2008. If successful, the proposed amendment would then go to a statewide vote. At stake is a current law limiting the state to 159 counties.

Also at stake is the funding for MARTA and Grady Hospital. Long a sticking point with Fulton and DeKalb residents, their money, in the form of tax dollars and one-percent sales tax funds, provide the funding for the two entities. Many believe that, while perhaps appropriate in distant years, today’s reality falls short of the mark. Services provided by MARTA and Grady have long been regional in scope.

North Fulton residents have sought their own identity for years. That opportunity eluded them until Republicans took control of the General Assembly. Their first success came with legislative approval to create the City of Sandy Springs followed by the vote last summer to create the cities of Milton and John’s Creek. In south Fulton, residents of the unincorporated areas will vote in June on the creation of the cities of South Fulton and Chattahoochee Hills.

Campbell County was created in 1828. The northwestern portion of the county, bordered by the Chattahoochee River, became Douglas County in 1870. The remaining 70 square-mile Campbell County became a part of Fulton County in 1931 during the Depression era. Milton was formed in 1833 and merged with Fulton in 1931 to avoid bankruptcy.

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