Ellenboro Annexation

http://www.thedigitalcourier.com/articles/2005/06/01/news/news04.prt

Plans on town limits discussed

By JOSH HUMPHRIES Daily Courier Staff Writer

ELLENBORO -- About 15 people who may soon become residents of the town spoke their opinions to the town board Tuesday evening at town hall.

The town will likely increase by approximately 125 properties as a plan for annexation continues.

The board of alderman held a public information meeting Tuesday to allow all residents who own property in the proposed annexation areas to ask questions and receive information on the plan and to allow current residents of Ellenboro to express their opinions on the matter.

Several residents voiced concerns about the plan, including one woman who moved to the area from Charlotte.

"I came here to get out in the country," she said. "I don't want this to become another Shelby or Forest City."

The plan for extending municipal services to the proposed properties was explained at the meeting.

The report for services plan is available for the public at the office of the town clerk with a map and a list of property owners with interest in the areas to be annexed.

Mayor Allan "Bunt" Black said that the proposed properties are on Burns, Short, and Hollis roads and U.S. 74 Business.

"The annexation will improve the town's tax base by bringing in more taxes and sales tax," said Black.

Black said that the plan will generate about $28,000 dollars for the town.

Black said nearly 90 percent of the residents with property in the proposed area already have water services from the town.

Black said a line will be installed on Short Road and Burke Road to get water to those residents who do not already have it.

Black also said that Duke Power has planned to install approximately 36 new street lights in the annexation areas.

The town will offer curb-side trash and recycling pick-up once a week on Mondays. Twice a year a Saturday pick-up will be available to collect any debris or items other than household trash.

Black said the town will maintain the streets in the proposed annexation areas that are not considered state roads.

The annexation could nearly double the size of the town. Ellenboro had 479 people in the 2000 census. Over 100 residences would be added to the town if the annexation plan is approved.

The original town limits were based on a one-half mile radius extending from the train depot.

Alderman voted in January 2003 to pursue annexation and to survey the town to resolve lingering disputes over which parcels were legitimately inside the town limits.

For an extended period, some residents who were actually outside of the town's limits were receiving services and paying taxes and some resident who actually lived within the limits were not paying taxes or receiving services.

The plan was devised to legitimize the town limits to include every resident who will pay town taxes and receive the services provided by the town.

The town board will hold another public hearing prior to the vote on the issue on June 14.

If the board votes to implement the annexation plan, the annexation of the properties will be effective on July 30.

Contact Humphries via e-mail at jhumphries@blueridge.net