A town hall meeting in Dahlonega on Saturday focused on a controversial piece of legislation being proposed in the Georgia General Assembly.

"I normally try to have a town hall meeting during session just to give everyone an update on what's going on downtown," said Sen. Steve Gooch. "I know most of you are here about the bill, but I hope you'll come again."

Gooch said Senate Bill 299, which addresses watershed protection standards, is a "fair balance between property rights and natural resources."

While Saturday's topic of conversation focused primarily on the bill’s relationship to the Yahoola Creek Reservoir in Gooch's hometown of Dahlonega, the bill would change regulations for the entire state.

The town hall meetings are generally a time for the senator to discuss questions and concerns with constituents throughout the district.

Nearly 100 people attended the meeting in Dahlonega.

Gooch plans to hold town hall meetings throughout the district during the legislative session.

His next is at 10 a.m. Saturday at Ma Gooch's restaurant in Cleveland.

The 51st district includes, Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Lumpkin, Union and White counties, as well as portions of Forsyth and Pickens counties.

Additional meeting times and dates will be set in the weeks to come.