Bill to deannex Greensboro properties passes NC House

A bill to deannex three properties from the city of Greensboro has passed the North Carolina House and is now making its way through the Senate. 

The properties have Colfax addresses, but owners Steven Gray and Betty Jean Hedgecock have been paying Greensboro taxes since 2008. 

Gray has said he feels he shouldn’t pay city taxes because he doesn’t use water or sewer services. 

His argument got the attention of Guilford County Republican Representative John Blust. He sponsored House Bill 226, which would take the land out of Greensboro’s jurisdiction. 

City officials have pushed back, saying the properties still benefit from services like fire and police protection, and that deannexation could set a concerning precedent.

The bill passed the Senate Finance Committee this week. If it passes a Senate floor vote, it will become law without Governor Stein’s signature.