Fulton County first in Georgia to relinquish city services

[demonta4]

Originally Posted by arjay57

Counties got into providing services because in many places cities simply couldn't afford it. Generally speaking, I think most counties would be delighted to shuck those burdens -- I know Fulton certainly would.

Now that we've become more urban cities can take on more of the cost.

However, I agree with primaltech that there's no "extra layer" involved (unless you've got a bunch of total dummies running the city). Once an area incorporates it should tote its own load, unless it's cheaper to contract with the county.

On the other hand, there are plenty of people living in unincorporated areas who are perfectly fine getting their services from the county. If the county government is efficient and responsive, there's no reason they can't do as well or better than a city.

Unfortunately, I don't know what that looks like. Clayton was alright, but there was no trash service and a limited number of parks and trails (something that Forest Park and Morrow did well unlike the unincorporated areas). Fulton is absolute trash. I don't see a single thing done with my tax dollars to improve quality of life at all. There are still no sidewalks in many places, traffic signals suck, Flat Shoals has no left turning lanes which unnecessarily backs up traffic, Old National (shouldn't have to explain this one), sorry police department, and I could list more but we'd be here all day.

[PKCorey]

Originally Posted by primaltech

Now, the only area that I'm confused, is if for example you live in Marietta proper, do your taxes go to Cobb County schools or police, since you don't use them?

I just looked up a random property in City of Marietta

County charges County General, County Bond and County Fire. No charge for county fire.

City charges Bond 2 and 3, Cemetery, City General and School Tax.