Georgia lawmakers see no problem with Whitfield-Dalton merger move

DALTON, Ga. - It should be possible to pass a bill creating a consolidation charter commission for Whitfield County and Dalton before the end of the 2011 legislative session, area lawmaker say.

Rep. Tom Dickson, R-Cohutta, said he supports the legislation after speaking to local leaders.

"I think it is a good first step and certainly worth going through to see what a consolidated government would look like," Dickson said Tuesday. "It is a bit premature to say if it is a good thing or bad thing - it depends on the outcome from the charter commission."

At a planning meeting over the weekend, city and county leaders agreed unanimously to move forward with consolidation steps. Leaders hope to place a charter referendum on the ballot in November 2012.

See Thursday's Times Free Press for complete coverage.

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