Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 110 - RULES OF GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
Chapter 110-12 - MINIMUM STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES
Subject 110-12-8 - PROCEDURE AND OPERATIONS OF ANNEXATION ARBITRATION PANELS
Rule 110-12-8-.01 - Purpose & Overview

(1) General. O.C.G.A. § 36-36-114(g) directs the Department of Community Affairs (the Department) to promulgate rules and regulations to provide for uniform procedures and operations of annexation arbitration panels established pursuant to statute. These specific rules and procedures are provided herein and are applicable to all local governments and school systems in the State. The intent of these rules is to: (1) provide an alternative to the courts for resolving conflicts related to annexation requests; (2) encourage internal discussion and negotiation between the parties involved with the aim of reaching a nonjudicial settlement of disagreements.

(2) Overview. These rules establish an alternative dispute resolution process for reconciling interjurisdictional conflicts between and among Georgia's local governments, school systems, and private interests as such conflicts arise from the process of territorial annexation. The dispute resolution involves the use of an impartial third party (or neutral) to guide the process. To provide as much certainty as possible, these rules call for the arbitration process to be concluded within eighty-five (85) days after it is initiated, although this timeframe can be extended by mutual agreement of the municipal and county governments.

(3) Changes and Interpretation. These rules and regulations may from time to time be revised by the Department. The Department is the final authority for interpretation of these rules.