Voters reject metro government in Lincoln Co.

Voters reject metro government in Lincoln Co.

FAYETTEVILLE (AP) -- Voters have overwhelmingly denied a proposal to consolidate the governments of rural Lincoln County with the city of Fayetteville.

The proposal to form a metropolitan government in the county was rejected by almost 80 percent of voters. Lincoln County has a population of about 33,000.

Forming a metro government anywhere in Tennessee requires approval by voters in both the city and all the residents in the surrounding county.

The Lincoln County proposal failed in both in Tuesday night's election.

Three cities have consolidated to form metro governments in Tennessee. They are Nashville- Davidson County, Hartsville-Trousdale County and Lynchburg-Moore County.

The mayors of Memphis and Shelby County have said they support renewed efforts to form a metro government there.

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