For the first that I can remember, a substantive annexation reform bill is scheduled to be heard by a committee.
Senator Shaw’s (D-Cumberland) annexation bill SB 494 is scheduled to be heard on Tuesday. There are a lot of other bills lined up to be heard, so I have no idea if will actually get heard that day.
Committee: Senate State and Local Government Committee
When: Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Where: 1124 Legislative Building
This is an excellent annexation reform bill that covers most of the key reforms:
Meaningful Services: Requires that municipalities provide services that an area truly needs–if an area doesn’t need services, then it can’t be annexed (The primary purpose of forced annexation is to provide meaningful services according to the NC Supreme Court)
County Oversight: The bill ensures cities can’t just do whatever they want–it has county oversight. Counties are in the best position to provide the oversight because they know the needs of a community and represent both municipalities and annexation victims
Vote: It allows a vote of affected property owners
There needs to be real annexation reform and this bill is a great start.
