Anti and pro consolidation groups present at Milledgeville breakfast event

MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Milledgeville-Baldwin County residents will decide whether they want the two governments to unify.

Pro and anti consolidation groups met Wednesday morning to share their thoughts on unifying Milledgeville and Baldwin County during an “Eggs and Issues” event. 

Supporters say the proposed charter won’t cut any jobs. They add this change is necessary because it creates potential jobs in Baldwin County.

“We’ve lost over 5,000 jobs in the last 40 years and we haven’t replaced them with careers and benefits,” Baldwin County Commissioner Henry Craig.

Those who oppose the consolidation charter say there is too much uncertainty in the document.

“There’s a difference between flexibility and traveling in the unknown. we’re traveling in the unknown,” Gregory Barnes with the Committee Opposing Consolidation said.

Another concern is how the five districts are drawn. Opposers believe the proposal limits minority representation, but supporters say that is not the case.

“We continue to ensure that our minority voters are represented in about the same capacity as they are now and the same percentage they are county wide right now,” Craig said.

The Committee Opposing Consolidation believes there were not enough studies done to prove unification will create a bright future.

“The fact that an entity wants to change a complete government without doing any type of financial projections is amazing to me,” Barnes said. “How do you know, how can you say there will be no tax increases if you have no projection?”

No matter what the voters decide, both sides say they want what is best for the community.

Residents will vote on the Milledgeville-Baldwin County Unification Charter during the November 3rd general election.