AJC Takes Another Stab at Summing Up Annexation
January 31, 2008 | 7:12 pmToday’s hard copy of the AJC has a map of the proposed annexation area that city commissioners are reviewing currently, but the online version is just a bunch of bullets summing up the process. No real new info.
I guess that means its just for readers of the AJC that DON’T read Decatur Metro. (Yuck, Yuck…)
Here’s the top line summary…
People living in and around Decatur are collecting petitions, sending out mass e-mails and attending City Commission meetings, concerned about an annexation plan —- even though it’s still in the conceptual stages.
A lot is at stake. There’s the possibility of adding as many as 7,800 residents, a move that would have far-reaching implications on the city’s school system and tax base.
Read the full summation here.
Why does it seem that some folks are acting SO surprised about the strong reaction this process has received early on? Even though an actual vote is months away, this plan is under serious consideration. That’s enough to get residents of any city out of their armchairs and into the streets, especially in a civic-minded town like Decatur.
I think I understand most residents’ and neighbors’ opinions on the possible annexation, both pro and con. I wish the city would produce a piece on what is driving the idea in the first place–how does the idea of annexation fit into the city’s long range strategy?
Primarily, the city is looking at annexation to lower taxes for current residents. The city’s commercial inventory only makes up 15% of current land use. If they were to up that % by adding a lot of commercial property to the north and east, it would ease the burden on the residential property owners and lower the millage rate.
But if they’re going to do any of that, first they really need a plan to incorporate an estimated 500 kids into the school system, and that hasn’t even yet begun.