ATLANTA — A Georgia state senator this week introduced a measure that would allow unincorporated areas of Georgia the opportunity to create a township.
Sen. William Ligon, R-Brunswick, introduced Senate Bill 272 and its supporting constitutional amendment, Senate Resolution 724.
“The Glynn County legislative delegation was pleased to see the Senate Annexation, Deannexation and Incorporation Study Committee recommend the township model as a way to incorporate in our state,” Ligon said in a news release. “I am pleased to introduce this legislation that will allow us the opportunity to explore the feasibility of this kind of incorporation on St. Simons Island.”
A township will continue to utilize and pay for county services such as water and emergency services, but will allow local citizens, elected to a township council, to control land use and local zoning rather than the county government.
Senate Bill 272 requires a constitutional amendment to be voted on by all the voters in the state of Georgia. If voters approve, then the citizens of unincorporated areas of Georgia would be free to vote by local referendum to set up a township.
Interest in the township model is evident in other areas of Georgia. State Rep. Mike Dudgeon, R-Johns Creek, has filed similar legislation in the House of Representatives.