Rep. Sandra Scott Issues Statement on Legislation to Dissolve City of Quitman

ATLANTA - State Representative Sandra Scott (D-Rex) today issued the following statement regarding her concerns over proposed legislation-House Bill 1567-which would dissolve the City of Quitman:

"HB 1567 is not just about one city-it is about the future of local democracy in our state. We should not be in the business of dissolving cities. We should be in the business of strengthening them.

"HB 1567 proposes to eliminate Quitman's municipal government and transfer all authority, assets and operations to Brooks County. While proponents cite financial and administrative challenges, that dissolution is an extreme measure that disproportionately impacts residents, particularly those in underserved and under-resourced communities.

"When you dissolve a city under HB 1567, you dissolve more than a government-you strip residents of their direct voice, their representation and their ability to shape decisions that affect their daily lives. That is a dangerous path.

"I'm concerned that HB 1567 would shift governance further away from the people most affected, while still allowing targeted taxation through a special service district. HB 1567 would create a scenario where residents may pay more yet have less say. That is not equity. That is not fairness. And, that is not good governance.

"Instead of dissolution, I am calling for a more responsible and collaborative approach. Rather than HB 1567, we should be working with cities like Quitman to provide oversight, technical assistance and financial restructuring where needed. If there are challenges, then let's fix them-not erase the city altogether.

"The state already has tools available to intervene, support and stabilize municipalities without dismantling them. Georgia must lead with solutions, not shortcuts. Oversight, accountability and partnership are the right approach-not elimination. HB 1567 would move us in the wrong direction.

"If we allow HB 1567 to set this precedent, what city is next? Today, it is Quitman. Tomorrow, it could be any community, especially those with fewer resources and less political power. It is crucial that we advocate for policies that protect local governance, promote equity and ensure that all communities-regardless of size or wealth-have a voice in their future."

To view the full text of House Bill 1567, please click here.

Representative Sandra Scott represents the citizens of District 76, which includes a portion of Clayton County. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2010 and currently serves on the Banks & Banking, Defense & Veterans Affairs, Human Relations & Aging, Insurance and Reapportionment and Redistricting committees.

###