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Granville County adopts resolution opposing part of Senate Bill 214 that would let another county condemn land
Summary
In an emergency April 24 meeting, the Granville County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution opposing part 5, section 5 of Senate Bill 214, saying the provision would let Franklin County acquire or condemn property in neighboring counties without local consent and threaten regional water resources at Carl Lake.
Granville County commissioners on April 24 adopted a resolution opposing part 5, section 5 of Senate Bill 214, saying the provision would allow another county to acquire or condemn property inside neighboring jurisdictions without local consent.
The county attorney told the board the provision would waive protections in North Carolina General Statute 153A-15 and could permit Franklin County to acquire land or interests for raw-water intakes, pipeline easements or related infrastructure — potentially by condemnation — in Vance, Warren and Halifax counties. "We believe it's being done in connection with Franklin County's desire to get a raw water allocation from the Army Corps of Engineers from Carl Lake," the county attorney said, arguing the measure could set a precedent that other counties might seek to replicate.
The resolution presented to the board described Carl Lake as a shared regional resource for drinking water, recreation, tourism and economic activity and stated that acquisition without the affected county's consent "raises significant concerns regarding local self-governance, land use authority, accountability to residents, and intergovernmental cooperation." The draft directs the county manager and county attorney to work with regional partners and the county's legislative delegation to seek amendment or withdrawal of the provision.
Several commissioners framed the provision as an erosion of property rights and a threat to representative government, saying residents and affected boards would have limited recourse if another county were allowed to condemn land within their borders. One commissioner called the proposal "a land grab" and said the board should be prepared to use litigation if necessary; another said the board must be prepared to bear the financial cost of opposing the measure.
Board members also reported rapid regional outreach: county managers in Halifax, Warren and Vance counties were said to be convening emergency meetings and welcoming Granville's support. The county attorney said the provision had been added late in the legislative process and that the matter was expected to return to a House calendar the following week.
A motion to adopt the resolution was made and seconded; the board approved it by voice vote. The resolution directs staff to transmit copies to the North Carolina General Assembly, local legislative delegation members and the governing boards of Franklin, Halifax, Vance and Warren counties, and to work with regional partners to oppose implementation.
The special meeting concluded with the board directing staff to continue outreach and coordination and with an expressed willingness to pursue litigation or other measures if necessary to prevent unilateral acquisition of property in neighboring counties.
