Revised East Cobb Cityhood Bill Could Move Voter Approval From November To May

EAST COBB, GA — After passing a State House Committee earlier this month, a revised bill proposing a city of East Cobb would move up the opportunity for voter approval from November to May, according to multiple news outlets.

Pending approval by the state Legislature and a signature from Gov. Brian Kemp, the East Cobb cityhood proposal would go before eligible voters in the May 24 general primary in Georgia. Some 50,000 residents would be eligible to vote for or against the proposed 25-square-mile city.

The change was made so the potential new city's council members could be elected in November, Cindy Cooperman, an advocate representing an East Cobb cityhood group, told the Marietta Daily Journal.

Some changes to the proposed cityhood bill would be included in the May referendum, including tweaks to the city council and mayor roles, East Cobb News reported. The original bill called for a six-member council — three of whom would be elected citywide, and the other three representing specific districts — who would choose a mayor to serve a two-year term, with a two-term limit.

In the new bill, a mayor would be elected citywide, and six city council members would be elected citywide — no district-specific council positions, ECN reported. However, two members would have to reside in each of the three council districts.

If approved by the full state House, state Senate and Gov. Brian Kemp, it would be added to the May 24 primary ballot for eligible East Cobb voters.

Related:

• East Cobb Cityhood Bill Passes State House Committee
• East Cobb Cityhood Deemed 'Financially Feasible': GSU Study
• East Cobb Cityhood Public Safety Proposals Explained: Report
• Second East Cobb Cityhood Online Town Hall Scheduled Thursday
• East Cobb Cityhood Virtual Town Hall Slated For Wednesday Evening
• East Cobb Cityhood Opponents Launch Website
• East Cobb Cityhood Movement Hires Lobbyist: Report