No new findings allowed in Monroe-Bibb border dispute

ATLANTA, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Superior Court ruled that Secretary of State Brian Kemp can’t allow new evidence before making his final decision on the county line between Bibb and Monroe County.

The court says Kemp abused his discretion when he didn’t allow the land surveyor, Terry Scarborough, to present his full case.

The Secretary must now determine the true boundary lines between the two counties based off of the evidence already presented.

 Scarborough said he had more evidence that could have helped in making the final decision, but overall, he’s delighted with Judge Kelly Lee’s ruling.

Monroe County Commission Chairman, Mike Bilderback sees this decision as a step forward. His only concern is the secretary wasn’t given a definitive deadline to make his decision. Monroe County plans to go back to court if commissioners feel the decision is taking too long.

Bibb County Attorney, Virgil Adams, thinks this ruling is contrary to the decision of the Supreme Court of Georgia. He said the Trial Court went against the Supreme Court ruling when they directed how the secretary will perform his duties. Adams doesn’t believe this is a set back for Bibb County. He thinks it’s a further delay. He believes both parties will have to go back to the Supreme Court of Georgia to have them clarify their ruling again.