GA HB1567

Special election scheduled for November 2026 on consolidating City of Quitman and Brooks County governments; requires majority approval from both city voters and unincorporated county voters counted separately

Creates 9-member Quitman-Brooks County Charter and Unification Commission to study consolidation and draft a unified government charter by August 31, 2027, with initial funding of up to $5,000 split equally between city and county

If voters reject consolidation or the commission does not proceed, the City of Quitman charter is repealed and Brooks County assumes all governmental services, assets, contracts, and obligations—including electrical and natural gas service contracts with Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia and Municipal Gas Authority of Georgia

Establishes Quitman Services District (coterminous with former city limits) to handle outstanding bonded indebtedness through special district taxes, with Brooks County not liable for other pre-existing city debts, claims, or employee obligations

City charter repeal can be avoided if state auditor certifies Quitman is in compliance with all audit requirements for fiscal years 2017-2023; municipalities of Barwick, Pavo, and Morven are expressly excluded from the Act