In a May 2005 opinion piece for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Commissioner Emma Darnell addressed the proposed incorporation of Sandy Springs. She emphasized that while Fulton County’s residents largely reside in cities, the county’s business is about its people, not city governance.
Darnell articulated the Board of Commissioners’ position, stating that although they did not oppose the creation of a new city in north Fulton, they opposed any act that would harm the people of Fulton County and potentially discriminate against minority residents on the basis of race.
She highlighted the financial impact of Sandy Springs’ incorporation, which would result in a $21 million loss in sales tax revenues and fees for the county general fund. This shortfall, she noted, would equate to a 5.5-mill tax increase for all county taxpayers and significantly affect the funding of critical services, including the criminal justice system and indigent health care.
Darnell argued against the unfairness of the legislation that allowed only Sandy Springs residents to vote on the incorporation, excluding other Fulton County residents who would also be impacted. She pointed out that this exclusion violated constitutional provisions and denied minority residents the opportunity to voice their concerns.
She concluded by reaffirming the Board of Commissioners’ duty to support all people of Fulton County, including those in Sandy Springs, even though they could not support the specific incorporation effort due to its broader implications.