FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Board of Commissioners abruptly ended formal negotiations with the City of Cumming Tuesday regarding continuation of the local option sales tax (LOST).

Cindy Jones Mills

Although discussions had produced at least the framework of an an intergovernmental agreement (IGA), commissioners voted 5-0 to short circuit the negotiation process and go directly to mediation or arbitration.

The Board gave no reason for its decision. Although some commissioners have complained that Commissioner Laura Semanson, who is negotiating for the County, has kept them in the dark regarding the discussions.

Laura Semanson

In making the motion to go into mediation, Cindy Jones Mills said, “I believe it would be appropriate for us to enter into mediation so we can all be part of the discussions.”

The two sides had a deadline of Sept. 1 to reach an agreement and until Dec. 30 to produce a new certificate to send to the Department of Revenue.