Coweta County Administrator Theron Gay and other county staff will begin meeting with county municipalities to determine if the Coweta should maintain its affiliation with Chattahoochee Flint Regional Development Center or change that affiliation to Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC).

The board has nearly a year to make that evaluation and make a decision on the matter, said Chairman Timothy Higgins, who recommended four issues that needed to be addressed. Those included addressing the county’s small towns and how their service needs would be handled, a comparison of how senior’s services would be addressed, an overall comparison of Chattahoochee Flint to ARC and how Coweta representatives to ARC would be elected.

Other pros and cons were noted in a Jan. 29 memo from county planning director Robert Tolleson. The county would have representation and a vote on the ARC board and its various committees that could provide an opportunity for Coweta’s cities to have direct representation, though Coweta would be a “small fish in a big pond” in terms of the county’s population compared to most other ARC members, he said. The county’s involvement in transportation issues would not change with ARC membership, Tolleson said, though membership with the organization would require more trips to ARC offices in Atlanta.

Tolleson said the county’s transportation involvement with ARC could be enhanced as a full member, though he questioned if having a vote would actually benefit Coweta since its interests as a small county might not be the same as other counties in the greater ARC region.

ARC membership would provide access to various ARC services and programs, though Coweta already has access to some ARC data, information and programs through its limited membership. This leads to the question of what other benefits might be available as a full member, he said.

Tolleson said full membership in ARC could lead to technical assistance and resources for needed county projects and reviews, but those services might result in additional costs. Current membership in Chattahoochee Flint has annual dues of $67,367 compared to $115,291 that would be required with ARC membership.

Commissioners had varying points of view of changing affiliations. Commissioner Tim Lassetter, who serves on the Chattahoochee Flint board, said he would be hesitant to change until all the advantages and disadvantages had been determined. Commissioner Paul Poole added that the county should be very careful in making the determination. Commissioners Randolph Collins and Leigh Schlumper said the change in affiliation was worth considering.

“We’re tied to metro Atlanta without a voice,” said Commissioner Randolph Collins. “I think it’s time we have a voice and speak for ourselves. I think this could work and not have us forget our small towns.”

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