Augusta-Richmond County consolidation records

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: MSS-013

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection includes news clippings, professional correspondence, subcommittee reports, publications and studies, memos and minutes of meetings, as well as drafts and summaries of charters and amendments. It also includes pamphlets and a button pin. The collection documents the movement from 1968 to 1976 to consolidate Augusta and Richmond County into a single entity, as well as the community reactions to this attempt.

Dates

Created: 1968-1976
Other: Date acquired: 03/06/1981

Conditions Governing Use

Standard Federal Copyright Law Applies (U.S. Title 17).

Biographical or Historical Information

In the late 1960s, an attempt to study the potential of consolidating Augusta and Richmond County into a single political entity was undertaken. Misunderstandings abounded, as some people perceived Amendment 112, which allowed the study to occur, as officially causing the consolidation of Augusta and Richmond County, which it did not do. The Government Study Committee, under chairman Zimmerman, analyzed the city of Augusta and Richmond County, their economic standings, their functions and services, and the feasibility of combining them. They also analyzed other city-county consolidations, such as Tampa-Hillsborough County in Florida, among others. According to original finding aid, attempts were made in 1966, 1970, 1976, and 1981 to consolidate Augusta and Richmond County. The 1970 attempt, which this collection contains information regarding, resulted in the proposed charter’s rejection by the electorate.

Note written by