City Administrator Outlines Winder's Reasons for Seeking to Expand Boundaries

A recent report by the Barrow Journal that the city of Winder has begun an "aggressive annexation plan" to extend its city limits all the way to Ga. Highway 316 has been confirmed by Mayor David Maynard and Winder City Administrator Donald Toms.  

Toms responding to questions from Barrow Patch with the following e-mail. 

The City of Winder is looking to grow it’s boundaries. The primary reason was for public safety and service delivery. In Winder we have streets where some houses are in the County while others are in the City which causes confusion for public safety when called upon. 

As you may be aware the City provides natural gas to the majority of Barrow County and around 70% of the water. As a utility provider it is easier to regulate our utilities if they were within our jurisdiction. With this said we are looking to clean up our boundaries. 

In regards to 316, it is a natural assumption that this is the area of high commercial growth. As the provider of water and natural gas we would like to be out there for future customers. 

In terms of benefits for the City, it could be stated as for Economy of scale. For the Fire Department the money collected on the fire tax would shift from the County to Winder. Business licenses would shift from the County to Winder. With greater populations and land size it is easier to attract business and receive funding from the State.

The larger the population the more sales tax received. Please note that none of the reasons indicated would have an adverse fiscal impact on those annexing in.

Barrow Patch asked in April, "Is the Bethlehem Area at 316 and 81 the 'New Winder'?" 

What do you think about the city's plans for expansion? Tell us in the comments section below. 

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