PERRY, Ga. — As Perry continues to grow, members of city council consider adding a fourth council district.
Perry's City Manager Lee Gilmour said members of city council pride themselves on being accessible to the voters.
"As the city gets larger, it gets tougher for the council members to be able to meet with all their constituents," said Gilmour.
In the 2000 census, Perry's population was about 9,600 people, and last year, the census estimated more than 17,000.
Gilmour said they are adding between 400 to 450 single-family homes each year, so he asked council to consider adding a fourth district to the city.
"We just anticipate that growth is going to accelerate."
He said it's not just about the growth, but also some people living in Perry have a Kathleen mailing address.
"A lot of times those residents are not aware or don't always associate themselves with the city of Perry," said Gilmour.
Harold F. Reynolds has a Kathleen address and said it is confusing to figure out which city he belongs to.
He said adding another city council district that represents that area might clear things up.
"I think they should consider enlarging their council to represent all the people," said Reynolds. "People should know who they need to go to when they have questions."
Gilmour said another reason he brought it up during that city council meeting, was the fact that after the census count of 2020, they will have to redistrict. He said members of council have always said it is important to have a majority minority district.
He said neighborhoods are becoming more diverse, so there is no particular concentration of any population.
If they increase from three to four districts, he thinks it would give them a better chance to ensure a majority minority group area.
Gilmour said they are still in the early stages of discussion, but members of council seemed receptive to the idea.
The next step will be bringing in a consultant, holding public hearings, and drafting legislation to send to the General Assembly, who will need to approve the charter change.
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