What is consolidation in the context of Georgia local government?

• A. Consolidation is merging two counties; there is a limit of 159 counties; must be started through passage of act in the General Assembly and approved by a majority vote in each county.
• B. Consolidation is merging two cities; requires mayor's approval only.
• C. Consolidation is merging the state and counties; requires federal approval.
• D. Consolidation is amalgamating school districts; decided by school boards.

Answer: (B)

Consolidation means two municipal governments joining to form one. In Georgia, this term refers to two cities merging into a single city government, a change that is driven at the local level and can proceed with the approval of the city's leadership (in practical terms, the mayor, along with the governing bodies under the city charter). This reflects how such reorganizations are handled locally rather than by the state or by voters in unconnected units. The other scenarios describe consolidations that involve counties, state actions, or school districts, which are not what this term captures in the Georgia local-government context.