The number of signatures gathered is steadily rising, following last month’s announcement of a petition to allow the right to vote on annexation for Freestone County residents, who may live in an area targeted by a nearby city.
In looking at the pros and cons of annexation, The “Times” has spoken with several landowners, business owners, and public officials for their take on the issue.
Mr. Ed O’Neill, a resident who lives off of Highway 27, and co-founder of Stop Forced Annexation, has many concerns about annexation.
He and fellow group members cite the following reasons as why they do not want to be annexed into the City of Fairfield:
–Taxation without representation: The targeted area, once annexed, would then be subject to current taxes, ones they had no say in when they were voted on.
–Distrust of Government: They feel that promises, such as road repairs and upkeep, lighting, water, and other services would not be kept; or not be completed in a timely manner.
–Overreach by government: The government is doing a ‘land grab’ as a means of planning for the future, whether the citizens want it or not.
–They are content with the policing and emergency services already being provided to their area.
“We are fighting to preserve our way of life,” says Mr. O’Neill. “I feel they [Fairfield City Council] think annexation is the answer to financial stability.”
On the other hand, there are some residents living off of Highway 27, that want to be annexed, or don’t really mind one way or the other.
“Personally, I don’t have a problem with annexation. In fact, I want it,” says Jennifer Granberry. “I’ve run all the figures. My taxes would go up about $500, but my insurance would go down by roughly $200 or so. That leaves a difference of around $300. I’m willing to pay that for the added security I would have by being able to call the police department. I would love to have city services instead of being on septic. Plus, the city would have to maintain my streets and add water hydrants if my property were to be annexed.”
“I’m ok either way when it comes to annexation,” says Cinnamon Archibald, who also lives off of Highway 27. “Yes, taxes will go up, but I would love to be on city services. My only real concern is for the small businesses that currently serve the area; ones like M&W Waste. I would hate to see them suffer from losing customers due to annexation.”
City of Fairfield Council members, Joe Lee Kirgan, Jr. and Landis Bayless also responded to the pros and cons of annexation.
“I think we [council members] all agree that forced annexation is not the way to go,” explains Councilman Place 1, Joe Lee Kirgan, Jr. “We are in the process of getting the city into shape so that they will want to annex into the city. They need to understand that most of the tax dollars the city would get from annexing their area would be spent on them by way of maintaining the streets, adding water hydrants, and providing other city services. As far as I’m concerned, annexation is nothing but a plus for all involved.”
“We need to grow the city, or we will be left behind,” explains Councilman Place 4, Landis Bayless. “With annexation, we can raise the population, therefore giving us a better opportunity to bring in businesses. The more businesses we have along the interstate, the more revenue the city will get from sales.”
“I realize that property taxes will go up for the area being annexed, but their home owner’s insurance will most likely go down, offsetting the taxes. Plus, they would be receiving city services such as water lines, police service, and fire service,” Bayless concludes.
According to the Municipal Research and Services Center of Washington, the following are additional pros and cons typically addressed in annexation discussions:
–Pro 1: Annexation gives residents a voice in the government. County dwellers can be substantially affected by actions of the central city, but they have no participation in its affairs.
–Pro 2: Political boundaries will, after annexation, more nearly reflect the true and existing sociological, economical, cultural, and physical boundaries of the city.
–Con 1: The city’s ordinances, regulations, and license requirements may not be appropriate for a particular fringe community.
–Con 2: The city may not be able to finance the additional services expected by residents of the area proposed for annexation, and the territory that is annexed may be a financial drain upon the city for many years. Services may not be available for extension without adversely affecting in-city service levels or without utility rate increases.
Registered Freestone County voters who feel that residents deserve the right to vote on future annexation can sign the petition are various locations around the County.
If you have any questions about the petition, please contact Stop Forced Annexation at annexation18@yahoo.com
Nicole Schaefer reporting
