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Kemp looking to solve border battle between Bibb and Monroe Counties

Kemp started working to solve the battle during his time as Secretary of State.

MACON, Ga. — As Brian Kemp prepares to lead Georgia as the governor, he leaves behind some unfinished central Georgia business. 

As Secretary of State, he promised to try to solve the long-time border battle between Bibb and Monroe County.

Pam Brewer lives in the Cross Creek neighborhood on the outskirts of Monroe County. 

Less than a mile away takes you into Bibb County. 

Brewer says living in limbo gives her little say about projects nearby.

"We feel kind of I guess vulnerable that we dont have so much control on over what could come in right next door to us."

The lines between Bibb and Monroe County were set in the early 1800's. 

There were disputes now and then about where the lines should be, but it all came head to head after Bass Pro Shops and new developments worth millions of tax dollars moved in.  

Governor Sonny Perdue brought in surveyor Terry Scarborough to identify the boundary. But in 2009 after Scarborough said Bibb County encroached into Monroe County, Bibb leaders said the survey was flawed. 

Brian Kemp hoped to settle the dispute during his 8 years as Secretary of State, but he says the trip through the courts and other challenges took too long.

"The surveyor would not show up to do the multiple hearings to let us ask questions about the survey, and we actually subpoenaed him in both counties, Bibb and Monroe supported that. He still failed to show up and even after we won that battle, he's now appealing the appearance of showing up and testifying," says Kemp.

He says he's not giving up.

"I'm going to also be looking at ways that we can potentially get past this impasse. I've urged the counties before to work it out and they haven't been able to do so, but I think they ought to keep trying."

Kemp's inauguration is Monday at 2 p.m. in Atlanta, at Georgia Tech's McCamish Pavilion.  

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