On February 14, 2016 Athens‐Clarke County celebrate 25 years of
the city and county becoming unified governments . Former Mayors
and Commissioners joined the ceremony and shared how it has
helped save our community money, time, and heartache. Not to say
that the process was pain free as the journey was filled with legal
questions and technical problems. But the citizens were the driving
force and many stepped up with expertise to help with the
transition. At the time of unification, Athens was only the second
consolidated government in Georgia and the twenty‐eighth in the
nation.
Former Mayors Gwen O’Looney, Doc Eldridge, and Heidi Davison review
notes before the ceremony.
Pat Allen addresses the crowd at the ceremony.
Current and former commissioners reenact the ceremonial ribbon joining
of county and city.
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Former Commissioner Kathy Hoard, Commissioner Andy Herod and
Commissioner Kelly Girtz hold the ceremonial ribbon.
Former Mayors Heidi Davison, Doc Eldridge, Cardee Kilpatrick, Gwen
O’Looney, and current Mayor Nancy Denson.
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT www.AthensBusiness.org 706-613-3233