GEORGIA cities and towns. The cities and towns operate primarily under charters granted by the general ranks 23rd among the states in assembly in the form of special laws for number of local governments, with 1,439 as of individual municipalities, although a 1965 law October 2007. grants home rule. There are no significant differences between the cities and towns with COUNTY GOVERNMENTS (154) regard to legal status and powers that would affect their classification for census purposes. Georgia counties operate under home rule. A 1963 law provides that a minimum The entire area of the state is encompassed by population of 200 is required for incorporation county governments except for the areas of as a municipality. Chattahoochee, Clarke, Muscogee, Quitman and Richmond counties. Muscogee County Township Governments (0) was consolidated with the City of Columbus in 1971 to form the Consolidated Government of Georgia has no township governments. Columbus. Similarly, in January 1991, Clarke County was consolidated with the City of PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEMS (180) Athens to form the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County. In January 1996, School District Governments (180) Richmond County was consolidated with the City of Augusta to form the Augusta-Richmond The following types of school districts in Consolidated Government. In November Georgia are counted as separate governments 2003, Chattahoochee County was for census purposes: consolidated with the city of Cusseta to form the Cusseta-Chattahoochee Unified County boards of education Government. In November 2006, Quitman Independent (city) school districts County was consolidated with the city of Georgetown to form the Georgetown and The county board of education in each county Quitman County Unified Government. All of administers all local schools in the county these consolidated governments are counted except those operated by independent (city) as municipal governments, rather than as school districts. Members of all county boards county governments, in census reporting. of education are elected. The county boards of education determine the amount of money Effective July 1, 2007, for a one-year period, or to be raised by local school taxes and may as applicable to a given county, a county issue bonds. having no municipalities within its boundaries may elect to become a consolidated The independent (city) school districts in government. In such counties, no Georgia were established by special acts of municipalities may be created or extended into the legislature prior to the adoption of the 1945 the county.1 constitution, and the legal provisions under which they operate are therefore not uniform. Most Georgia counties are governed by a By provision of the 1983 constitution, new board of county commissioners, but in some independent school districts cannot be created. counties the governing authority is a sole Members of the boards of independent school county commissioner. districts are elected. These school districts operate independently of municipal SUBCOUNTY GENERAL PURPOSE governments and may determine their own GOVERNMENTS (535) budgetary needs. The board of education of independent school districts recommends the Municipal Governments (535)2 ad valorem tax levy.

Municipal governments in Georgia are the Dependent Public School Systems (0) SPECIAL DISTRICT GOVERNMENTS (570)3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 Georgia has no dependent public school systems. Georgia statutes authorize the creation of a variety of special districts or authorities that are Other Educational Activities counted as governments. These are discussed in detail below. Several building authorities created for the purpose of providing buildings, facilities, and Airport Authorities services for individual school districts, have been created by special acts. These A number of airport authorities have been authorities are authorized to issue debt for authorized by special acts but with similar such purposes with debt service provided provisions for administration and operation. under contractual arrangements such as The authorities are governed by boards lease/purchase agreements with the school appointed by officials of the establishing districts. They are counted as dependent governments and, in a few cases, also have activities of the respective school districts. one or more local officials serving ex officio. Officers of the authorities are appointed, These authorities may issue revenue bonds usually by the school district board of and impose charges for their facilities and education, and may include school district and services. board of education officials serving ex officio. Airport authorities lacking autonomy are not The regional educational service agencies counted as separate governments. See provide supplementary services to school "Subordinate Agencies and Areas," below. districts and are financed by state funds and by contributions from participating school districts. Americus Theater and Cultural Center For census purposes, they are classified as Authority joint educational service agencies of the school districts they serve. They are not counted as This authority was created by special act to separate governments. As of October 2007, develop and promote cultural and educational 16 regional educational service agencies were projects. It is governed by a nine-member reported in operation. board consisting of eight members appointed by the city council, plus the mayor serving ex Any city, county, county school system, officio. The authority may fix and collect fees independent school system, or other political and issue revenue bonds. subdivision of the state possessing a power to tax may separately or jointly establish, Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum maintain, and operate junior colleges. The Authority creating government establishes a mill tax to help fund the junior college. No junior colleges This authority was created by a 1973 special currently operate under this provision. act to build and maintain a multiple-use coliseum in the Augusta area. A board of 12 Gwinnett Technical College, previously known members appointed by the Augusta-Richmond as Gwinnett Technical Institute, is governed by County commission governs the authority. The the board of education of Gwinnett County but authority may fix user charges, receive conforms to state standards applicable to proceeds from hotel-motel taxes and beer technical colleges. Other technical colleges in excise taxes, and issue revenue bonds. Georgia are operated by the state government. Cobb-Marietta Coliseum and Exhibit Hall member counties (based on population) from Authority nominations by the counties’ boards of health; county and municipal officials from jurisdictions This authority was created by a 1980 special contributing a minimum amount to the budget act. The seven-member board includes both of the board; and one citizen meeting specified appointed and ex officio county representatives requirements appointed by each county. The and the mayors of the cities of Marietta and boards may fix and collect fees. These boards Smyrna. The authority may fix and collect fees may be referred to as community service and issue bonds. The county may choose to boards. support bond issues with county-levied taxes, but is not obligated to provide such financial Community mental health, developmental support. disabilities, and addictive diseases service boards governed by county boards of health Community Improvement Districts are not counted as separate governments. See “Subordinate Agencies and Areas” below. These districts may be created by the Georgia legislature through the enactment of local Conyers-Rockdale-Big Haynes legislation, subject to approval of owners of Impoundment Authority taxable real property within the district. They may provide such services as streets, parks, This authority was created by a special act to sewerage, water, ports, public transportation, provide for flood control and water parking, and other services as specified in the conservation in Rockdale County. The local legislation. They are governed by boards authority constructed the dam and lake that that can consist of local officials, members serves as the water supply reservoir for elected by property owners, or any Rockdale County. The lake also is used for combination of the two as specified in the recreation. A board of five members, with two authorizing legislation. Districts may levy ad appointed by Rockdale County, two by the valorem property taxes, special assessments, mayor of Conyers, and one appointed by the and fees as specified in the authorizing other board members, governs the authority. legislation and may issue general obligation The authority may fix and collect fees and and revenue bonds. Residential, agricultural, issue revenue bonds. and forest production parcels within the district are excluded from taxation, assessments, and Covington Parking Authority fees. Community improvement districts that are classified as special districts include those This authority was authorized by a in Chatham, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Dekalb, constitutional amendment. The five-member Glynn, and Gwinnett counties. board consists of four members appointed by the mayor and the city council and either the Districts that lack the autonomy to be classified mayor or a member of the city council. The as independent governments are classified as authority may issue bonds and fix and collect dependent agencies of the county or fees municipality they serve. See “Subordinate Agencies and Areas” below. Development Authorities (Industrial and Economic) Community Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Addictive Diseases Service Joint development authorities may be created Boards either by the general assembly or under general law by resolution of any combination of These boards are created by a county or municipalities and counties or by any county in counties to provide services to regions the state of Georgia and any contiguous established by the state. They are governed county in an adjoining state. North Carolina in by boards that include members appointed by 2003 authorized Clay County which shares a border with Towns County in Georgia, by to acquire and operate facilities for the resolution of its governing body, to create a operation of gas or electric generation and joint development agency with a contiguous distribution. It is governed by a board county in an adjoining state. The resolution appointed by the county governing body. The creating a joint development authority specifies authority may fix and collect fees for its the number and composition of the board. services and may issue revenue bonds. Joint authorities conduct a variety of projects Revenue bonds for the purchase, construction, including air and water pollution control extension, or operation of gas or electric facilities, sewage and solid waste disposal generation and distribution systems are subject facilities, and industrial parks. The authorities to voter approval. This authority currently is may issue revenue bonds. These authorities inactive. may be designated as a development authority, an industrial development authority, Hospital Authorities or an economic development authority. Hospital authorities may be created by Development authorities lacking the autonomy resolution of one or more county or municipal to be classified as independent governments governing bodies to provide hospital facilities. are classified as dependent agencies of the A board of trustees appointed by the creating counties or municipalities they serve. See governing body(ies) governs each authority. "Subordinate Agencies and Areas," below. The authority board may issue bonds, fix and collect fees for services, and accept gifts and Dougherty County Stadium Authority grants. Although these entities have no authority to levy taxes, the governing body of a The Dougherty County Stadium county or city may levy an annual ad valorem Authority(formerly listed as the Albany Stadium tax to pay for services or facilities provided by Authority) was authorized by special act. The the authorities. governing body is appointed by the city and county governing bodies and by the county Housing Authorities board of education. The authority may fix and collect fees and may issue revenue bonds. Housing authorities may be organized in any county or city where the governing body has Fort Valley Utility Commission adopted a resolution declaring the need for a housing authority. The mayor or the county This commission was created and operates governing body appoints the commissioners of pursuant to the charter of the city of Fort Hunt. city or county housing authorities, respectively. The five-member commission consists of the The authorities may issue bonds and fix and mayor of Fort Valley serving ex officio and four collect rentals. Georgia laws also provide that elected members. The commission may fix two or more contiguous counties may establish and collect fees and issue revenue bonds. regional housing authorities with the same Excess revenues are transferred to the city of legal powers as city or county housing Fort Valley for general government purposes. authorities. The authorizing resolution determines the composition and size of the Harris County Public Improvements board. Authority Interlocal Risk Management Agencies--1986 This authority was created by a special act to Laws provide water supply, water distribution, wastewater collection, and sewerage These agencies are created by infrastructure and recreational facilities intergovernmental agreement between two or associated with the dam and reservoir for more governments to pool liability insurance water supply in a planned development area in under the provisions of either of two laws: one Harris County. The authority is also authorized applying to local governments and the other to school districts. The number and the manner the participating governments; the board of the of selection of the agency trustees are Acworth Lake Authority also includes ex officio specified in the intergovernmental agreement. members. The authorities may fix and collect The agency may fix rates for its services. fees.

Joint Liberty County, City of Gum Branch, The Lake Allatoona Preservation Authority may City of Midway, City of Riceboro, and the issue bonds. The Kinchafoonee Lake City of Walthourville Fire Protection Authority statute remains active; however, the Facilities and Equipment Authority lake was never constructed and the authority never organized. This authority, created by special act, represents fire departments throughout Liberty Lamar County Livestock and Agricultural County. The board determines fire facility and Exposition Authority equipment needs, establishes priorities, and makes recommendations to the county This authority was created by special act to governing body. The board consists of construct and operate livestock and agricultural members appointed by the county and cities. A exposition facilities. It is governed by a board special local option sales tax levied by the appointed by the county and municipal county government, subject to voter approval, governing bodies in its service area. The funds approved county projects and equipment authority may fix and collect fees and issue purchases. revenue bonds.

Joint Resource Recovery Development Macon-Bibb County Transit Authority Authorities This authority was created by a 1980 special These authorities are formed for the purpose act to acquire of recovering and utilizing resources contained and operate a transit system for the City of in sewage sludge and solid waste and for the Macon and Bibb generation of electrical and other forms of County upon joint resolution by the governing energy from water resources. They may be bodies. A board of seven members governs created by ordinance or resolution of any the authority, of whom four are appointed by number of counties or municipalities regardless the mayor of the City of Macon with the of location. Each participating governing body consent of the city council and three are appoints two members, and the board of the appointed by the Bibb County board of authority appoints one additional member. commissioners. The authority may set fares The authorities may issue bonds. and other charges and issue bonds.

As of fiscal year 2007, no joint resource Metropolitan Rapid Transit Authority recovery development authorities were reported in operation. This authority was authorized by a constitutional amendment to operate the transit Lake Authorities system in the Atlanta area. It is administered by an 18-member board of directors composed Two lake authorities have been created by of four members appointed by the city council special acts. of Atlanta and ten members appointed by the governing bodies of the counties in the The Acworth Lake Authority was created to authority, plus the commissioner of the state provide recreational facilities. The Lake department of transportation, the state revenue Allatoona Preservation Authority was created commissioner, the director of the state to preserve Lake Allatoona. Both authorities properties commission, and the executive are governed by regional boards appointed by director of the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority. The authority may fix and collect fees and issue revenue bonds. In addition, the counties or municipalities they server. See authority receives the proceeds of a sales tax. “Subordinate Agencies and Areas,” below.

Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia Regional Jail Authorities This authority was created by 1975 legislation to generate and transmit electric power for sale Authorities to fund and operate jail facilities at wholesale to political subdivisions in the may be created by resolution of two or more state. The governing body consists of nine counties or two or more municipalities within members selected by representatives of the same county and approval by the county participating local governments. The authority sheriffs of counties entering into the may impose rates, fees, and other charges on agreement. Authorities formed by counties are member governments and may issue revenue governed by a board composed of the sheriff bonds. of each county, one member appointed by each member county, and one member Municipal Gas Authority of Georgia appointed by the aforementioned appointees. Authorities formed by municipalities are This authority was created by 1987 legislation governed by a board consisting of two to provide wholesale supplies of gas to members appointed by each member member governments which own and operate municipality and one appointed by the natural gas distribution systems. The aforementioned members. An authority may governing body consists of nine members fix and collect fees for services and issue selected by representatives of participating revenue bonds. local governments. The authority may impose fees and set rates for member governments Regional jail authorities lacking the autonomy and may issue revenue bonds. to be classified as independent governments are classified as dependent agencies of the Recreation Authorities counties or municipalities they serve. See “Subordinate Agencies and Areas,” below. These authorities are created by special acts to provide park and recreation facilities. They Regional Joint Public Safety and Judicial are governed by boards appointed by Facilities Authorities benefitted local governments. Most authorities may fix and collect fees and issue revenue Any number of counties or municipal bonds. The state legislature has authorized the corporations or a combination of counties and following authorities: municipalities may jointly form a regional joint authority by local ordinance or resolution of Americus-Sumter County Parks and each participant. The governing body is Recreation Authority appointed as specified in the joint agreement. Chatsworth-Murray County Recreation Each member, in the creating ordinance or Authority resolution, must declare that a sales tax for City of Hartwell Recreation Authority public transit is being levied. Projects of such Dublin-Laurens County Recreation authorities include detention facilities; judicial Authority facilities; and public safety facilities for direct Lincoln County Recreation Authority support of management and operation of Miller County Recreation Authority homeland security, police, fire, rescue, and Towns County Recreation Authority emergency medical services. Jurisdictions Twiggs County Recreation Authority with activated public safety and judicial facilities authorities are prohibited from also Recreation authorities lacking the autonomy to activating joint authorities after May 24, 2007. be classified as independent governments are After May 24, 2007, authority projects are classified as dependent agencies of the subject to referendum. Revenues include gifts, grants, appropriations by member members. The authority may issue revenue governments, and rentals. Authorities may bonds and fix and collect rentals and charges issue bonds. No regional authorities have for its facilities and services. been reported. Soil and Water Conservation Districts Authorities activated by a single jurisdiction and regional authorities lacking sufficient Soil and water conservation districts may be autonomy to be classified as independent formed by the state soil and water governments are classified as dependent conservation commission on petition of local agencies of the counties or municipalities they landowners, after a local referendum. A board serve. See "Subordinate Agencies and of supervisors of at least five members Areas," below. governs each district, with two members appointed by the state soil and water Regional Solid Waste Management conservation commission and the others Authorities elected. In districts serving three or more counties, the state soil and water conservation Regional authorities to provide the collection commission appoints one member per county and disposal of solid waste are created by and the rest are elected. These authorities ordinance of the governing body of two or may impose charges on benefitted landowners more county or municipal governments. A and may accept grants. board of directors, consisting of representatives appointed by the participating South Cobb Development Authority governments, governs each authority. The authorities may fix and collect rentals and other This authority originally was created by special charges and may issue revenue bonds. Some act for redevelopment and revitalization of these authorities have been established by purposes in the Mableton area of southern special acts. Cobb County. The original authority was dissolved and reconstituted as an advisory Authorities lacking sufficient autonomy to be body to the board of county commissioners. classified as independent governments are The authority is governed by a board of seven classified as dependent agencies of the members including one appointed by the counties or municipalities they serve. See chairman of the county commission who "Subordinate Agencies and Areas," below serves with no term limit, three elected by property owners, and three elected by Savannah Economic Development Authority business owners.

This authority was established by constitutional South Georgia Governmental Services amendment in 1951 as the Savannah District Authority Authority. It subsequently was called the Savannah Port Authority (the Port of Savannah This authority, which succeeded the South was owned and operated by the Georgia Ports Georgia Business Development Authority, was Authority). The authority may acquire, created by special act to provide broadband construct, operate, sell, or lease various self- cable television and Internet services, liquidating projects such as industrial and particularly a fiber optic network, to specified manufacturing plants, wharves, docks, roads, counties and cities. The eight-member board bridges, terminals, and ferries. A 19-member is appointed by the cities of Cairo, Camilla, board administers the authority; some Moultrie, and Thomasville and may include city members are appointed by the mayor of the or county officials ex officio. Each member city City of Savannah with the consent of the city contracts with the authority to provide council, some by the Chatham County management and marketing services for the governing body, and others by the chair of the city’s individually owned broadband authority with the consent of the other communications system. The authority procures certain goods and services on behalf counties or municipalities they server. See of member cities with member cities “Subordinate Agencies and Areas,” below. reimbursing the authority and also providing annual funding in the form of dues and Water and Sewer Authorities (special acts) contributed capital. The authority may issue bonds. A number of water and sewer authorities to provide water supply or sewerage or both have South Georgia Regional Information been created by special acts but with Technology Authority substantially similar provisions. They are administered by boards appointed by officials This authority was created in 2007 by special of the governments they serve. Each water act to provide communication services and sewer authority may issue revenue bonds including broadband, Internet, cable television, and impose charges for services. Some of and associated services to private and public these authorities are designated as “utilities users in the counties of Baker, Calhoun, Early, authorities.” Miller, and Mitchell. The 11-member board is comprised of two residents from each county Water and sewer authorities that are governed appointed by the governing authority of the by the county commissioners ex officio or county and one member appointed by the otherwise lack the autonomy to be classified as other members of the authority. The authority independent governments are classified as is authorized to accept grants and gifts; to fix dependent agencies of the counties or and collect rates, fees, and charges for municipalities they serve. See “Subordinate services, facilities, and commodities; and to Agencies and Areas,” below. issue revenue bonds. West Jackson Fire District Tourism Authorities This district was authorized by a special act to Tourism authorities, with a variety of names, provide fire protection services for the western have been created by special acts. These portion of Jackson County. An elected board authorities construct, maintain, and operate governs the district. The district may levy ad convention centers, arenas, parks, or tourism valorem taxes. related facilities. Most are governed by boards appointed by the creating government, but West Jackson Fire District is one of ten some boards also represent the state, private volunteer fire districts in Jackson County and interests, or other governments such as the only district created by constitutional industrial authorities. The authorities may fix amendment. All ten districts have elected and collect fees and may issue revenue bonds. boards and levy ad valorem taxes and are The following tourism authorities have been included in the county’s financial reporting. authorized: SUBORDINATE AGENCIES AND AREAS Adel-Cook County Tourism Authority Commerce Civic Center and Tourism Shown below are various governmental Authority designations in Georgia that have certain DeKalb County Civic Center Authority characteristics of governmental units but that Douglasville Convention and are classified in census statistics as Conference Center Authority subordinate agencies of the state or local Valdosta-Lowndes County Conference governments and are not counted as separate Center and Tourism Authority governments. Legal provisions for some of the larger of these are discussed below (see Tourism authorities lacking the autonomy to be "Public School Systems," above, regarding classified as independent governments are educational agencies of this nature). classified as dependent agencies of the Georgia Building Authority and Georgia private institutions of higher education. A Education Authority (state). These board of five members appointed by the authorities have been established to provide Governor governs the authority. The authority for a variety of public buildings including may fix and collect fees and may issue buildings for markets, prisons, hospitals, revenue bonds. universities, schools, and state offices. Substantially similar legal provisions apply to State Road and Tollway Authority (state). each agency. Their governing bodies include This agency was authorized by act of the state officers in an ex officio capacity plus an general assembly to build toll highway facilities. additional member appointed by the Governor. Authority board members consist of the These authorities receive revenues from Governor, the commissioner of transportation, rentals and charges for facilities and may issue the director of the office of planning and revenue bonds. budget, and one member each appointed by the lieutenant governor and the speaker of the Georgia Highway Authority (state). This house of representatives. The authority may agency was established by act of the general fix and collect tolls and may issue revenue assembly to build state highways and bridges. bonds. The authority board consists of the Governor, the commissioner of transportation, and the Urban redevelopment agencies (municipal director of the office of planning and budget. or county). A municipality or county, in lieu of The authority may fix rentals and may issue undertaking urban redevelopment itself or revenue bonds. conferring the power on a housing authority or on a downtown development authority may, by Georgia Housing and Finance Authority resolution, establish an urban redevelopment (state). This authority, formerly the Georgia agency. An agency board of commissioners, Residential Finance Authority, was authorized appointed by the mayor or by the board of by act of the general assembly to provide county commissioners, governs each agency. mortgage credit for low- and moderate-income These agencies may issue revenue bonds. housing. The authority is governed by the board of community affairs serving in an ex Other examples include: officio capacity. The authority may fix and collect fees for facilities and services in State11,12 connection with its loans and may issue revenue bonds. Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission Georgia Ports Authority (state). This George L. Smith II Georgia World Congress authority was established by a 1945 general Center Authority law to acquire, build, operate, and maintain Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority port facilities. Members of the authority Georgia Agrirama Development Authority governing board are appointed by the Georgia Development Authority Governor. The authority may fix and collect Georgia Education Trust fees and issue revenue bonds. The authority Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority owns the Port of Savannah and the Port of Georgia Environmental Training and Education Brunswick as well as the inland Port of Authority Bainbridge and Port of Columbus. The Georgia Golf Hall of Fame Authority authority operates some facilities and leases Georgia High Risk Health Insurance Plan others to private operators. Georgia Higher Education Assistance Corporation Private Colleges and Universities Authority Georgia Higher Education Facilities Authority (state). This authority was created by act of Georgia International and Maritime Trade the general assembly to finance facilities for Center Authority13 Georgia Lottery Corporation Georgia Medical Center Authority Camden County Public Service Authority Georgia Music Hall of Fame Authority Catoosa County Public Works Authority Georgia Public Telecommunications Chatham Area Transit Authority Commission Chatham-Savannah Authority for the Georgia Rail Passenger Authority Homeless Georgia Regional Transportation Authority Chatham-Savannah Youth Futures Authority Georgia Seed Development Commission Coliseum authorities (county) Georgia Sports Hall of Fame Authority Community improvement districts (lacking Georgia Student Finance Authority sufficient autonomy including those in the Georgia Student Finance Commission counties of Burke, Douglas, Fulton, Henry, and Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Sumter) Authority Development authorities (economic and Georgia Technology Authority14 industrial) State Park Authority Fire districts with separate financial Islands Development Authority administration North Georgia Mountains Authority Briggs Fire Protection District (Brooks Oconee River Greenway Authority County)25 OneGeorgia Authority Douglas County Fire District26 Power Alley Development Authority Livestock and agricultural exposition authorities Regional mental health, developmental Museum authorities (county) disabilities, and addictive diseases planning Public facilities authorities boards Recreation authorities (county) Heritage Authority Recycling authorities (county) Southwest Georgia Railroad Excursion Tourism authorities (county) Authority Water and sewer authorities (county) Memorial Association Municipal27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34 County15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23 Agencies established under general law: Agencies established under general law: Community mental health, developmental Business improvement districts disabilities, and addictive diseases service Development authorities (industrial and boards (governed by county boards of health) economic) created under general law County boards of health Downtown development authorities Development authorities (industrial and Public safety and judicial facilities authorities economic) Recreation systems created as authorities Health districts (one or more counties) under general law Public safety and judicial facilities authorities Regional public libraries Recreation systems created as authorities Residential care facilities for the elderly under general law authorities Regional public libraries Resource recovery development authorities Residential care facilities for the elderly Solid waste management authorities authorities Urban residential finance authorities for large Resource recovery development authorities municipalities Solid waste management authorities Agencies established under various special Agencies established under special act: acts:

Agribusiness development authorities Airport authorities (municipal) Airport authorities (county) Albany-Dougherty Inner City Authority35 Bibb County public service districts24 Augusta Canal Authority Building authorities Augusta Port Authority36 Building authorities 5 The City of LaGrange Gas Authority, Business improvement districts in Atlanta previously classified as a special district, was Coliseum authorities reclassified as a dependent activity of the city Columbus Industrial and Port Development of LaGrange effective for the 2007 Census of Commission Governments. The authority issued debt to Community improvement districts (lacking finance the installation of new natural gas sufficient autonomy including those in Atlanta distribution infrastructure for the city owned and Dahlonega) and operated gas utility. Convention center authorities Convention and visitors bureau authorities 6 The Emanuel County Jail Authority, (municipal) previously classified as a special district, was Development authorities (industrial and reclassified as a dependent activity of Emanuel economic) County, effective for the 2007 Census of Downtown development authorities Governments. Park and recreation authorities Parking authorities (municipal) 7 The Georgia International and Maritime Tourism authorities (municipal) Trade Center Authority, previously classified as Utility commissions (municipal) a special district, was reclassified as a state agency effective for the 2007 Census fo Georgia laws also provide for various types of Governments. local areas for election purposes and administration of justice. 8 The Macon-Bibb County Urban Development Authority, classified as a special 1 Echols County has no municipalities within district for the 2002 Census of Governments, its boundaries. has been reinstated as a joint venture of Macon and Bibb County and for statistical 2 The town of Bibb City, previously located purposes has been assigned to the city of within the area of Muscogee County, was Macon, the dominant partner. disincorporated as a separate municipal government effective December 7, 2000. The 9 Payroll development authorities, classified as city of Winterville, located within the area of special districts for the 2002 Census of Clarke County, continues to exist as a Governments, have been reclassified as separate municipal government. The city of dependent activities of their respective county Hephzibah and the town of Blythe continue to and city governments. Payroll development exist as separate municipal governments in the authorities were first authorized in 1962. Richmond County area. Those that remain operate under the creating constitutional amendments. 3 Upon ratification of the Georgia Constitution of 1983, all authorities and districts created by 10 Effective January 1, 1996, the county constitutional amendment, except those that commissioners abolished all county fire were subsequently legislatively continued, prevention districts in Walker County. The were repealed. Districts and authorities county government provides fire and rescue created subsequent to the 1983 constitution services. have been created under general law or by special act. 11 The Augusta Port Authority, previously classified as a state dependent activity, has 4 The Albany-Dougherty Inner City Authority, been reclassified as a dependent activity of the previously classified as a special district, was consolidated government of Augusta- reclassified as a dependent activity of the city Richmond County, effective for the 2007 of Albany, effective for the 2007 Census of Census of Governments. Governments. 12 Joint authorities for emergency 911 legislation, no longer exist. systems, previously classified as state dependent agencies, were reclassified as joint 24 Authorization for Bibb County public service county-municipal dependent agencies for the districts, originally authorized by 1943 2007 Census of Governments. legislation, was continued legislatively in 1988.

13 The Georgia International and Maritime 25 Briggs County Fire Protection District is the Trade Center Authority, prior to the 2007 only county fire protection district in Brooks Census of Governments, was classified as a County having financial administration special district. separate from the county government.

14 The GeorgiaNet Authority was succeeded 26 The Douglas County Fire District is a by the Georgia Technology Authority. countywide district.

15 Catoosa County sewerage districts, 27 The Atlanta (City of) Group Insurance authorized in 1962, no longer exist. Sewerage Board Authority, authorized in 1947, no longer activities within the county were transferred to exists. the county’s two cities, Fort Oglethorpe and Ringgold. 28 The Clarke County sanitation, water, sewerage and fire protection districts, 16 Separately administered fire prevention and authorized in 1961, no longer exist. fire protection districts no longer exist in Charlton, Cobb, Gordon, Paulding, and 29 The Columbus Industrial and Port Thomas counties. Development Commission currently is inactive. State legislation in 2006 authorized termination 17 Chatham County water, sewer, sanitation, of the commission, subject to local fire protection, garbage and trash collection, referendum. and street construction districts authorized by 1960 and 1971 legislation no longer exist. 30 The Conyers Athletic Authority does not exist. 18 Coweta County sanitation, water, sewerage, and fire protection districts authorized by 1964 31 The East Point Parking Authority has been legislation no longer exist. inactive for more than 10 years.

19 The DeKalb County Solid Waste Disposal 32 The Marietta Parking Authority no longer Authority, authorized by 1976 legislation, no exists. longer exists. 33 The Savannah River Bridge Commission, 20 The Floyd County sanitation, water, created by constitutional amendment in 1947 sewerage, and fire prevention districts for the city of Savannah, no longer exists. authorized by 1953 legislation no longer exist. 34 The Savannah-Chatham County Historic 21 The Fulton County Sanitary and Sewer Site and Monument Commission, created in District, authorized by 1939 and subsequent 1949, is a part of the Savannah-Chatham 1949 legislation, no longer exists. County Planning Commission.

22 The Griffin-Spalding County Personal Care 35 The Albany-Dougherty Inner City Authority, Health Board, authorized by 1991 legislation, previously classified as a special district, was no longer exists. reclassified as a dependent activity of the city of Albany, effective for the 2007 Census of 23 The Gwinnett County fire protection and Governments. sewerage districts, authorized by 1966 36 The Augusta Port Authority, previously Richmond County, effective for the 2007 classified as a state dependent activity, has Census of Governments. been reclassified as a dependent activity of the consolidated government of Augusta-