The recent annexation by Peachtree City of unincorporated land on the county’s west border that could bring 1,100 homes to the area has drawn only silence from the Fayette County Commission.

Since 2000, the area has been a source of controversy as Peachtree City officials have viewed several different development plans.

In 2005, Peachtree City Planner David Rast told council that county officials pointed out that they defended the current zoning for the property in court, both at Fayette Superior Court and at the appellate level after a legal challenge by the previous owner, Pathway Communities.

Any change in the land use, such as commercial, as originally proposed on a small scale and later withdrawn by Wieland, would also be opposed, then-Commission Chairman Greg Dunn told city staff at the time.

But what a difference an election makes. In conversations with the county’s interim administrator this week, there doesn’t seem to be the vigor or enthusiasm to challenge the city’s decision.

“I know they completed the annexation, but I haven’t had any conversations with any commissioner about objecting to it,” said Administrator Jack Krakeel.

In years past, the county previously filed a lawsuit to prevent the annexation.

Since taking over as the administrator Krakeel’s primary focus has been on preparing the county’s budget for fiscal 2007-8, which starts July 1. The county will hold budget hearings next Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and Krakeel is in the final stages of crunching numbers.

“We know the growth is slowing, but we believe we’ll be able to continue the level of service that we currently provide,” he added.

The county’s general fund budget should come in at around $50 million, which is close to last year’s budget, he said.

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