VALDOSTA — Lowndes County Commissioners pledged support Tuesday evening to a piece of legislation that would prevent annexation of county land for the purpose of municipal revenue.

The Fair Annexation Act — House Bill 962 — is working its way under the Golden Dome this legislative season. If passed, it would establish state policy regarding annexation, specifically regulating the manner in which land is annexed. The bill OKs annexation when unincorporated areas need city services, but does not allow annexation for raising municipal revenues.

The Association County Commissioners of Georgia lists annexation as one of six top priorities for 2006 legislation, and sent out letters asking for localized support.

Lowndes County Chairman Rod Casey said he will head to Atlanta in the next week to talk with lawmakers about the bill.

During Tuesday’s meeting, Commissioner J. Edgar Roberts was appointed to the Better Neighborhood Housing Corporation’s Board of Directors.

The corporation works in Lowndes, Brooks and Cook counties and assists efforts in Echols and Lanier.

George Bennett, board president, said the corporation works to build treatment and work force housing.

Last June, Bennett broke ground on the Pines Treatment Facility in Lowndes County, a campus with 28 apartments, a drug treatment center and a daycare center. The facility helps substance abusing women and their children during long term recovery.

Bennett said the corporation also builds housing for lower income brackets.

Roberts is the first Lowndes County commissioner to be appointed to the board.

Also decided:

• Qualifying fees were set at $340 for Commission Districts 2 and 3 for upcoming elections. State regulations dictate qualifying fees be set by Feb. 1 of any year in which a general primary, nonpartisan election, or general election is held.

• Commissioners approved the annual performance partnership agreement between Lowndes County and the Office of Homeland Security-Georgia Emergency Management Agency. In the agreement, the OHS-GEMA provides the county with comprehensive training, funding support, technical assistance, and resources during disasters.