Annexation bill clears house

Submitted by bniolet on July 24, 2009 - 7:47am.
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A bill meant to reform annexation got its final vote in the House on Thursday.

The bill would place a greater burden on cities and towns that want to annex land against the property owner's will. It would require municipalities to prove they can afford to provide services to the newly annexed area and require officials to only annex what they have the money to support.

The bill allows property owners who are being annexed against their will to force a referendum if they collect enough signatures.

So called "involuntary" or "forced annexations" allow municpalities to manage growth. Supporters say those who live just outisde a city should have to pay for the benefits they enjoy.

Opponents say forced annexation gives the government power to tax citizens who have no say or vote in the process.

The bill, which offers something for everyone in the debate to dislike, now heads to the Senate where there is less enthusiasm for moving on the bill this session.

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Re: Annexation bill clears house

Submitted by PaulTerrell on July 24, 2009 - 12:11pm.

Please clarify in you article that the peition also would include people living in the affected cirty. Why do people already living in the city need to sighn a petition for a vote annexation. That is stupid.

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Re: Annexation bill clears house

Submitted by domewatcher on July 24, 2009 - 8:08am.

"So called "involuntary" or "forced annexations" allow municpalities to manage growth."

Not quite sure I follow this. If the city annexes a group of people, then the city grows. If the city does not annex a group of people, then the city does not grow.

Me thinks the municpal lobby is bigger than your average bear. Now if those about to be annexed had a lobby? But you don't have time between the annexation notice and the date you are joined to the city to hire an effective lobby. Lobbyists need to be nurtured in place for years and years so that they will become strong, have roots. And have those spreading branches that bring shade and comfort to the legislators. Maybe a hammock swinging under the branches.

Forced annexation is wrong. A forcible lobby is also wrong but that is our form of government.

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