The discussion on HB 2367, Involuntary Annexation Moratorium, continues today in the House Judiciary II committee, chaired by former Speaker Dan Blue (D-Wake).
In discussion, there is a proposed committee substitute that deletes Sec 1. This change would allow planning to take place during the moratorium.
Andy Romanet of the NC League of Municipalities speaks against the moratorium. He says they can work out the problems raised during the public hearings, especially about the providing of services without a moratorium. He also states that the moratorium would back up the laying of groundwork for services to be provided for annexation implementations already in place.
Ken Powers, of the Planning Assoc., says forced annexation by and large works well.
Rep. Luebke asks for support of the bill.
Rep. Blue says he’s concerned about the effect on the big cities. No one in the audience can speak to abuses that have occurred in the three biggest North Carolina cities. He doesn’t want to penalize cities who are “doing annexation right.”
Daren Bakst of the John Locke Foundation says that the process is flawed, citing density requirement and water and sewer services. He thinks protections need to be put in place.
Rep. Blue argues the committee is asked to consider the moratorium, not the process. That’s what the study committee will look at.
Rep Bruce Goforth (D-Buncombe), the bill sponsor, says that today is the day we need to protect citizens. He asked Ellis Hankins from the NC League of Municipalities for recommendations for compromise 6 weeks ago and still hasn’t heard anything.
Rep. Blue wants to address the concerns of the big cities. Committee will meet again, probably after session today, to continue this discussion.
