Commissioners approve de-annexation request for two Covington parcels pending city approval

Newton County commissioners on July 15 approved the county's portion of a de-annexation request from the City of Covington for two small parcels at 91 and 100 Edgefield Lane, a county attorney said, but the de-annexation will take effect only if the City of Covington also votes to release the parcels to unincorporated Newton County.

County attorney Patrick Jogstetter described the request as unusual but straightforward: the properties are currently inside Covington city limits, total about 1.06 acres, and the owners told the city they sought removal because of city property taxes and a belief they receive little benefit from city services. Under Georgia law Mr. Jogstetter said, both the city and county must approve a de-annexation for it to be effective.

During public comment a resident who identified himself as a senior homeowner described paying what he called "double taxes" and asked the board to approve returning the parcels to unincorporated county status; commissioners moved and voted to approve the county's part of the request. The county's approval was recorded as unanimous; it is contingent on the City of Covington taking the corresponding action.

Why it matters: de-annexation shifts taxing authority and service responsibility and can affect a property owner's tax bill and eligibility for city services. Because both jurisdictions must sign off, the change is not complete until the city acts.

County staff said that, following any city approval, Newton County will be required to zone the parcels under county regulations. The county did not adopt a new county zoning at the meeting; staff will carry any required zoning steps forward only after the city completes its de-annexation vote.