The City of Holly Springs is filing a lawsuit against the State of Georgia after the enactment of recently signed House Bill 1029.
The City alleges that the bill is unconstitutional, but several key Georgia Senators have rebuked this claim, issuing statements defending the bill.
What exactly does House Bill 1029 do? House Bill 1029 amends the charter of the City of Holly Springs by revising the city’s corporate boundaries and updating city council district boundaries, expanding the city council from five members to six members.
It also establishes four-year terms for council members and makes other conforming changes to the city’s governing structure. The City argues in its lawsuit that these changes constituted legislative overreach.
What key Georgia Senators are saying:
- Senator John Albers (R-Roswell): “House Bill 1029 was the result of months of collaboration among the Cherokee County legislative delegation, local leaders and residents who voiced concerns about the city’s annexation policies and the direction of future growth. It is deeply disappointing that, rather than continuing to work collaboratively with the delegation and local officials, the City of Holly Springs has chosen to challenge this law in court.”
- Senator Jason Dickerson (R-Canton): “It is unfortunate that this issue has reached the courts after the thoughtful work that went into HB 1029. This bill came about because people in Cherokee County made it clear they wanted their concerns heard. I was proud to support legislation that responded to those concerns, and I believe our responsibility is to continue putting the interests of our constituents first.”
- Senator Kay Kirkpatrick (R-Marietta): “I supported this measure alongside my colleagues in the Cherokee County delegation, and I continue to believe it represents a balanced approach that puts the community first. My hope is that this matter is resolved promptly so everyone can return their focus to serving the people of Cherokee County.”
Further Context: Cherokee County has experienced significant residential and commercial growth, bringing increased attention to municipal boundaries and development.
As questions continued to rise around the City of Holly Springs, members of the Cherokee County legislative delegation met with residents and local officials on numerous occasions to discuss potential solutions. House Bill 1029 was the result of those discussions.
