Forsyth County residents want to form another city

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Some residents in one of Georgia's fastest growing counties want to form their own city.

The Forsyth County Commission has agreed to pay for a fiscal impact study for the proposed city of Sharon Springs.

Some residents, like Sandy Merritt, told Channel 2's Berndt Petersen they support the idea. Right now, there's only one city in Forsyth County: Cumming.

"It should be its own city," she said of the proposed Sharon Springs community, "because more people are moving into this area. This is a prime area."

TRENDING STORIES:

• Woman killed in officer-involved shooting, Cobb County police say
• Father of 4 girls left speechless after hearing gender of fifth baby
• LIVE UPDATES: Voters to decide on Atlanta mayor, other crucial races

County Commissioner Cindy Jones Mills has concerns about this kind of change,  but she's on board with a county-funded study of the financial impact.

"I don't want them to go into it thinking they're getting one thing, and all of a sudden they're getting a tax increase later," Jones said.

The new city would cover 44 square miles and be home to nearly 60,000 residents.

"We're in a county that in the last election voted 78 percent Republican.  That's supposed to mean less government.  And to add another whole layer doesn't have to be the solution to the problem," Jones Mills said.

But Merritt believes it's worth looking into, even if there were a cost involved.

"I'm game for paying a little more in taxes if it's going to be a little bit better," she said.

If this leads to a referendum, the vote could happen next year.

Cox Media Group