One of the most pressing topics in the closing days of this state legislative session is House Resolution 21, which proposes a new Milton County. On the surface, it is easy to think this issue only affects the areas that would fall in this proposed new county.

Nothing is further from the truth.

Creating a new Milton County would initially cost Georgia taxpayers an estimated $6.3 million plus an estimated recurring annual cost of $3.3 million to establish and maintain new offices for the Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Labor, Health Department and other state mandated services according to a study by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government. It is totally inappropriate to introduce legislation that increases the state budget at a time when teachers and state employees are being furloughed and state services are being reduced or eliminated in order to meet a smaller state budget.

Creating a new Milton County would also increase taxes among the businesses that remain in Fulton County. In a strong economy this may not be given much consideration, but in the current economy every dollar counts. There are nearly a half-million jobs based in Atlanta and Fulton County, which represent 12 percent of Georgia's economy. A good number of these workers live throughout, and in some cases beyond, metro Atlanta. Raising the taxes on their employers will make providing competitive salaries, including returning salaries to pre-recession levels, even more challenging. This is not the time to add any additional burden to the tax payers.

Proponents of HR21 will counter the above by citing a feasibility study that was commissioned by the General Assembly and carried out by some very credible economists. That study states a new Milton County would be financially viable, but the findings reference a best-case scenario that is based on 2006 data. This study does not reflect the current economy and is no longer valid.

Of further concern is what this legislation could mean to every Georgian's right as a voter. HR21 specifies amending Georgia's Constitution to allow only for residents in a small part of north Fulton County to vote on this legislation. No other citizen in the county who would be directly affected by this legislation would have the ability to vote on it.

This is a dangerous precedent that, if passed, could be replicated in any other part of the state.

It also sets the stage for subsequent litigation that challenges the constitutionality of voting rights, which would cost Georgia taxpayers even more at a time when we need to spend less.

There is some good legislation being debated at the Capitol this session that can have a positive impact on all Georgians. HR21 is not one of them. I encourage you to contact your state representative and senator and urge them to stay focused on the bills that are most important to your welfare.

Sam Massell is president of the Buckhead Coalition and a former mayor of Atlanta.