Rep Edgar Starnes R Caldwell amendment changes density level to 3 people per acre (from 3.2)This one failed in the J 2 committee last week and fails here 12-16.

Rep Dale Folwell, R Forsyth, tries to amend the expansion of sewer lines expenses provisions in the bill. Cities could not charge residents for extending the major lines (does not apply to tap lines).  Should be paid for by those doing the annexing, not those who are being annexed against their will. Luebke argues the current twenty year assessment period is fair and shouldn’t be changed. Folwell says the goal should be to keep people in their homes as long as possible, not make it more difficult, especially for older residents. Amendment fails 13-14.

Rep Edgar Starnes amendment addresses appeals to the courts – people would have to show that they enjoy a higher level of service after the annexation than before. Amendment fails 13-14.

Rep Johnathan Rhyne, R Lincoln tries to change the title back to it’s original title, Annexation – Omnibus Changes, rather than the extensive lenghy and extremely tight new title. See previous note on title rules. In an effort to make the debate fair and deliberative, he asks for an open and democratic system. Reps Stam and Blust speak in favor of fairness.  Rep Bill Owens (and Rules Chair) encourages a no vote and he and Rhyne spar on the process. Rep Starnes, one of the sponsors of the bill does not support the long title and fully supports the amendment to change it.

Amendment fails 13-15 with all Rs and Faison voting yes; all Ds voting no.

Details on the amendment to change to title and allow amendments and full debate on the floor vote:

Voting yes 13:
Curtis Blackwood R Union
John Blust R Guilford
Bill Faison D Orange
Dale Folwell R Forsyth
Julia Howard R Davie
David Lewis R Harmett
Danny McComas R New Hanover
Darrell McCormick R Yadkin
Johnathan Rhyne R Lincoln
Mitchell Setzer R Catawba
Paul Stam R Wake
Edgar Starnes R Wake
Thom Tillis R Mecklenburg

Voting no 15:
Kelly Alexander D-Mecklenburg
Van Braxton D-Lenoir
Becky Carney D-Mecklenburg
Tricia Cotham D-Mecklenburg
Larry Hall D-Durham
Sandra Hughes D-New Hanover
Dewey Hill D-Columbus
Hugh Holliman D-Davidson
Earl Jones D-Guilford
Bill Owens D-Pasquotank
Deborah Ross D-Wake
Paul Leubke D-Guilford
Pryor Gibson D-Anson
William Wainwright D-Craven
Jennifer Weiss D-Wake
 

Rep Curtis Blackwood, R Union, tries to amend the bill to upgrade the fire and police protection in annexed areas.  Concerns about fees being charged for voluntary fire departments in addition to taxes for fire protection.  Amendment fails 13-14.

Committee runs out of time. Will reconvene immediately after session today (probbably around 2:00)to consider remaining four amendments and will then vote on the bill.