The State House is expected to vote today on one of three bills to reform Fulton County's government. 

House Bill 170 proposed by north Fulton legislators would raise the homestead exemption for Fulton homeowners from $30,000 to $60,000. 

Commissioner Rob Pitts told a public hearing it would mean a $48 million reduction in revenue for the county’s budget affecting services countywide.

“Senior centers, libraries, youth programs, nature center, arts and cultural programs and probably most importantly Grady Hospital,” he says.

Commission chair John Eaves calls the legislation mean-spirited.

“It is not going to only handicap us, but it’s going to impact citizens of this county,” he says.

The bill is considered local legislation and would require two-thirds majority vote by the full House to pass.

Two other bills will go before a House committee later today including one would do away with the at-large district currently held by Pitts.  Only the commission chairman would be elected at-large while creating another commission district for north Fulton.

A third bill would strip labor rights from Fulton employees.  Those hired after the law took effect would be deemed unclassified employees and could be fired without notice, explanation, or appeal.

Republicans now hold the majority by one vote on the Fulton legislative delegation and say change is needed within the county government.  Five House members have also introduced identical constitutional amendments that could lead to the re-creation of Milton County, thus splitting Fulton.