PDF: Consolidated governments
DALTON, Ga. — When Mike Babb moved to Dalton in 1971, living outside the city was like living in the country.
“Outside of Dalton, there was no countywide fire service, no zoning requirements and limited recreational opportunities,” said Mr. Babb, who now is chairman of the Whitfield County Board of Commissioners.
But as population and the demand for municipal services grew in and around Dalton, the differences in living in or outside the city limits have lessened.
“County residents now expect to have fire protection, and they expect to have zoning to protect their property; they expect to have a recreation program and they want municipal services,” Mr. Babb said. “We’re kind of urbanized now, I guess you would say.”