Delving into the historical governance of Henry County reveals a fascinating and intricate evolution.
In 1821, at the inception of Henry County, the Georgia legislature wielded authority over county affairs. During this initial phase, the legislature undertook pivotal responsibilities such as road layout, bond approvals, tax rate establishment, infrastructure creation, and serving as a guardian for the territory. This period persisted until the implementation of legislation that would institute county offices like sheriff, coroner, tax receiver, clerk, and court officers.
A transformative moment unfolded in 1822 when the Georgia Governor signed legislation appointing justices to the newly formed Inferior Court. This court, comprising individuals such as Absalom Stewart, James Henry, Andrew Camp, William Pate, and Jordan Gay, assumed the role of the governing authority for Henry County. Its purview included decision-making on tax allocations and the formulation of county laws. Remarkably, the Inferior Court held sway over county politics for more than four decades until legislative consolidation with the superior court.
Following this consolidation, a shift occurred, ushering in an ordinary court-type government. The Court of the Ordinary, akin to an early prototype of the Probate court, took the helm of county affairs, assuming the position of the official CEO of the county government. This organizational structure prevailed until 1879, when a momentous decision emerged through a county-wide vote. The citizens of Henry County opted for a commissioner system to govern the county, leading to the relinquishment of control by the Court of the Ordinary over county politics.
Under the commissioner system, implemented in response to the collective will of the citizens, specific responsibilities were entrusted to the commissioners. These duties encompassed a wide array of critical functions, ranging from fiscal management to infrastructure development, marking a pivotal chapter in the dynamic governance history of Henry County.
To provide for the control, management, preservation and repair of county buildings, and other public property; to levy general taxes for general purposes, and special taxes for special purposes; to establish, alter, and abolish roads, bridges and ferries; to lay out and establish new militia districts and election precincts; to change polling places, and to alter the lines of militia districts; to examine and approve the bonds of all county officers; to examine, audit and provide for the settlement of the accounts of all persons charged with the collection, care or disbursement of public money of their respective counties; to provide for the management and support of paupers; to approve and direct the payment of all orders on County Treasurers for the payment of public money; to fix the license for peddling, and to exercise under the general laws of this State, such powers as were, prior to the adoption of the constitution of 1868, exercised by the Inferior Courts over county matters in this State.
The precise events leading to this development remain uncertain; however, four years after the implementation of the commissioner system, an election transpired wherein a majority of voters in Henry County expressed their opposition to the existing system. The announcement placed by the Ordinary Court Judge in the Henry County Weekly on January 30, 1885, provides insight into the sentiments of the community, stating as follows
By virtue of an Act of the General Assembly, approved December 12th, 1884, an election was held on the 7th day of January. 1885. in the county of Henry on the question of abolishing the office of Commissioners of Roads and Revenue, which resulted in a majority of 1,089 “Against Commissioners.' I therefore declare the office of Commissioners of Roads and Revenue ABOLISHED in the county of Henry. Given under my hand and official signature. * A. A. LEMON, Ordinary. GEORGIA—HENRY COUNTY
The outcome of this pivotal election marked a significant shift, returning control over county politics to the jurisdiction of the Court of the Ordinary. This governance structure endured until 1912, when a transformative decision emerged through a county-wide vote. During this period, Henry County opted to establish a new Board of Commissioners. Initially, a sole commissioner system was implemented, but this arrangement underwent further modification nine years later with the enactment of another legislative act. This subsequent development solidified the establishment of our present-day commissioner system, characterized by the presence of five commissioners.
It is noteworthy that while the name of the office may have undergone changes over the past two centuries, the core responsibilities have endured. The commitment to effective governance and the responsive adaptation of the county's administrative structure reflect the dynamic nature of Henry County's political landscape over the years.
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