City of Columbia Fiscal Feasibility Study
Evaluating the fiscal feasibility of the proposed City of Columbia
South Georgia Research Partners conducted a fiscal feasibility study examining the proposed incorporation of Columbia County as the City of Columbia. The analysis assessed whether the new municipal government could meet its financial obligations while continuing to provide essential public services.
The project combined financial records, government data, interviews with state and local officials, and a review of relevant laws and prior consolidation efforts. Revenue and expenditure estimates were developed using Columbia County’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, Georgia Department of Community Affairs data, county tax records, and U.S. Census data.
The study also examined potential effects on residents and the independent cities of Harlem and Grovetown, including property taxes, franchise fees, service agreements, annexation, and representation. Based on projected revenues of approximately $248 million and expenditures of $191 million, the analysis concluded that the proposed City of Columbia was fiscally feasible.