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DeKalb panel approves 45‑year extension of regional land bank agreement with Lithonia
Summary
The PECS committee approved a 45‑year extension to the intergovernmental agreement that keeps the DeKalb Regional Land Bank Authority operating with Lithonia as a partner, a move staff said state law allows and which commissioners debated during the meeting.
Director Mitchell presented a request to extend the intergovernmental agreement that governs the DeKalb Regional Land Bank Authority. The existing agreement with the City of Lithonia had expired; Mitchell asked the committee to approve extending the term by 45 years (to a 50‑year total, expiring in 2070), and said state law permits agreements of that length.
Commissioners questioned the practical merits of a 45‑year agreement. Commissioner Ted Terry asked whether the county should wait and "see how it goes" rather than commit to such a long term. Mitchell responded that a partner city is required for a land bank to exist and that the contract includes provisions to add additional cities in the future without returning to the Board in certain situations. Mitchell said adding partners preserves the land bank’s ability to operate and that cities can be added under contract exhibits and internal land bank processes.
After the discussion the committee moved and voted to approve the extension. Mitchell said staff will pursue outreach to other cities to invite participation in the land bank and will return as necessary with implementation details.
What was approved: a county vote authorizing the DeKalb Regional Land Bank Authority to continue under an amended intergovernmental agreement that extends the partner‑city agreement term and allows future partner additions under the contract terms; commissioners asked staff to ensure legal review and future reporting on additions.
