Local officials have Gov. Nathan Deal to thank as they pursue changes to government operations.

Deal in recent days has signed two pieces of legislation relating to local government operations. The one impacting the most people in Paulding will be House Bill 838, which allows for the revision the county’s commissioner districts based on the 2010 Census numbers. The new district map will have to receive approval from the federal government pursuant to the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

The changing of county commission boundaries is one reason why qualifying for the July primary will take place in late spring—May 23-25 to be exact.

House Bill 1187 impacts the city of Hiram. Its approval now allows Hiram officials to pursue the possible addition of a city manager to the payroll. Councilwoman Kathy Bookout in February told Dallas-Hiram Patch that adding the new city employee likely would be dependent on the city’s budget numbers in the next fiscal year.

Both pieces of enacted legislation were sponsored by State Rep. Howard Maxwell, R-Dallas, and State Rep. Paulette Braddock, R-Powder Springs.