As the meeting continues, staff explains the new bill, incorporating
provisions from House Bills 524, 645, 727. First impression - the new
bill combines the worst of the proposals and does nothing to ensure
property rights for citizens being annexed against their will.
Rep Earl Jones (D Guilford) expresses concerns about the annexation of
dough nut holes (cities exclude low income pockets in an annexed area
because there is low revenue but high cost to provide services). Under
the new bill, if 75 percent of the property owners in a low income area
the city is required to annex. If 75 of residents want to be annexed,
the city can but doesn't have to.
Rep Folwell (R Forsyth) asks about oversight - it is provided by LGC
not county commission. He argues that oversight needs to be by a body
that is accountable to voters - a county commission is a better choice.
Anything in the bill that would make people being annexed who do not
want water and sewer pay for it anyway? Yes.
Rep Pat Hurley (R Randolph) expresses concerns as well about Local
Government Councils (LGC) oversight as they are not elected and seem to
have an interest in cities expanding their revenue in conflict with
property rights.
Rep Hugh Blackwell (R Burke) has concerns about abated taxes when
services are not provided. Would they be prorated until services are
provided? Summary of the annexation process and remedies are required
per the bill. What are the remedies? Appeal to LGC then file in court.
Plan for the rest of the day:
Session at 1:00, will meet again 10 minutes after session, he will
keep the meeting to 2 hours. Speakers will have 3 minutes only. He will
hear amendments that have been submitted prior to session. Vote on PCS
will be this afternoon.