De-Annexation Bill

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) Former Hamilton County residents upset about being annexed into the city of Chattanooga may get some help.
Tennessee State House members vote on a bill Monday night to allow them to start the process of being de-annexed.
It would only apply to Chattanooga in our area.
If passed, residents could vote on a referendum to leave the city.
But if they agree to leave, they still would have to pay for things like sewer improvements installed by the city.
State Senator Bo Watson of Hixson says residents have been asking for help for several years.
“Under the law as it is today, there really is no way for the citizens themselves to figure out a way to get themselves de-annexed. This is, this bill would allow, through referendum, citizens to be able to do that.”
Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke does not think the legislation will protect the city’s investments.
He says the city opposes the bill.
If it passes the State House, the Tennessee Senate will then take up the bill.