The Georgia House is considering House Bill 521 to change the de-annexation law for county-owned property. The bill is in response to an ongoing request between Henry County and McDonough.
House Bill 521
House Bill 521, introduced by Rep. Anderson (R-Habersham County), would revise state law when a county wishes to de-annex county-owned property from city limits. Specifically, the bill would implement a 90-day deadline for a city to approve such request “unless it finds that the de-annexation would be detrimental to the health, safety, and welfare of the residents and property owners of the area to be de-annexed or to the area remaining within the municipality” (HB 521). If the city opposes the de-annexation, then the bill doesn’t address next steps.
The House State and Local Government Subcommittee considered the bill on Tuesday, February 25. Henry County Chair Harrell spoke in favor of HB 521. She was joined by Henry County management and planning & zoning staff. The House subcommittee recommended the bill to pass. The House Governmental Affairs Committee can now consider it in the upcoming days. The bill would move to the full house for a possible vote if the committee approves it.
In April 2024, the Henry County BOC approved an application to de-annex 509 acres of county-owned property. The land contains the Henry County Jail, admin building, and other county buildings. Presently, it is located within McDonough city limits.
The county is seeking to de-annex from McDonough so county staff can handle plan review and building inspections for upcoming capital projects. Those capital projects include a new E-911 center and a fire training center. While inside city limits, the city's development code and city staff would handle such functions.
The city of McDonough submitted an objection to the county in June 2024, citing that "the request for de-annexation of the subject parcels would be detrimental to the health, safety, and welfare" of the city. McDonough Mayor Vincent shared at the time a copy of the city's objection on Facebook.
Subsequent updates about the request haven't been shared. According to Chair Harrell's comments before the House subcommittee, the county has attempted to mediate the de-annexation request to no avail.
Featured image shows Chair Harrell before the House Subcommittee on February 25, 2025. Georgia House video screengrab.
