Pulaski County and Hawkinsville city leaders are exploring the idea of a consolidated government, and they're starting by consulting the citizens.

"We decided to form a citizen group to tell us if this is the way to go or not... and if so what the new government should look like," says Hawkinsville City Commissioner, Shelly Berryhill.

Tonight, a public meeting was held where residents from both the city and county sat down in focus groups. County Commissioner, Brooks Bailey, says these meetings are aimed at gathering information and feedback about consolidation. "We're gonna roll over all of the stones, and see what we find," says Commissioner Bailey.

What they've already found is that merging public service works well in this county. The fire department, police and sheriff, animal control, and recreation are just few of the services already combined. The government is, essentially, the last piece of the puzzle.

"As small as we are we should be able to do it efficiently," says resident Bay Roberson.

Once the research is complete, county and city officials will decide if the decision should be brought to the voters.

The plan to combine the local government was first brought to the voters back in 1999. It passed in the city, but not the county. Bailey says, if it goes to a ballot, he will support whatever the residents decide.