Live from the Legislature:

The House Select Committee called in experts from Georgia who authored an assessment of municipal annexations in other states.

A few key points of their report:

  • Although their report was completed in 2002, the Georgia legislature has not adopted their recommendations.
  • In some states in the North and Northeast, there are no annexations because there is no unincorporated land left.
  • Most states require a defined plan of services to be provided and disclosure of that plan prior to a public hearing. Texas requires the plan be posted online. Only Wyoming requires the plan be provided to property owners.

In answer to the question, How many states have involuntary annexation? an author replied, “Well, it depends on how you present it. Almost every state allows a city to initiate an annexation without citizen approval. Most also have restrictions that limit it.”

One of the authors also admitted that their “study is not detailed, and that is a flaw in the study.”

Other presenters today are the Charlotte city attorney who, in speaking about annexation in Charlotte, referred to the “wisdom and foresight of the General Assembly” in enacting annexation laws that have allowed Charlotte to be “the premier financial center” and home to PGA tours, NASCAR races, and several professional sports teams.

Next up is the executive director of the League of Municipalities who is expected to defend current annexation laws.