(ATLANTA, Ga.) — On Thursday evening, the Georgia State Senate voted 33-23 to stop SB-114, one of two bills designed to cut off the northern wards of the City of Atlanta and convert them into a Buckhead City. SB-113 did not make it to the floor for a vote.

Buckhead is one of Atlanta’s whitest, most affluent neighborhoods, and has for years been home to vocal groups who wish to form a Buckhead City and to deny the city of Atlanta its largest tax base.

The vote confirmed observers’ expectations, as a number of Republicans defected to join Democrats in defeating the bill over concerns about how it would affect the finances and status of the rest of Atlanta. Although the bill may be dead for this legislative session, this still marks a high-water point in efforts to form the city.

None of the sponsors of the bill represent districts in or near the Atlanta metro area.

The vote comes after Gov. Brian Kemp’s office sent a memo to lawmakers Tuesday questioning many of the provisions of the controversial plan.

Executive Counsel David Dove also challenged the legality of the plans of Buckhead City proponents to collect taxes for the Atlanta city school system and continue enrolling students in it even after leaving Atlanta.

“How is this action constitutional given (1) Buckhead would lie outside the jurisdictional limits of Atlanta, (2) no referendum is proposed for residents to ratify such taxation, and (3) the Georgia Constitution fails to give any power to cities and counties to engage in the education of their residents outside of independent school districts?” Dove wrote.

Secessionists say Atlanta isn’t doing enough to control crime, and that Buckhead residents aren’t getting their tax money’s worth from municipal services.

Shortly after the vote, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens released a statement, saying:

“Atlanta is one city, with one bright future.

“I am thankful to the bipartisan majority of the Georgia Senate who voted to reject SB 114. I am grateful to the large number of Atlantans—from parents to businesses to educational leaders—who stood up and spoke with a united voice for a united city.

“When I came into office, I committed to building strong bonds across Atlanta, including in Buckhead, and with our state’s leaders. We’ve delivered investments in public safety that have driven down crime, filled potholes and are moving Atlanta forward, together. But most importantly, we have listened to residents about their concerns and hopes, and we have responded.

“To my fellow Atlantans: whether you support or oppose deannexation, I will continue working with you to improve our services, to invest in our communities and ensure a safe city for all. Atlanta is a group project, and we will work every day of the week with you, on your behalf, and hearing your voices.”

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