annexation an association of indiana counties perspective august 22, 2007 david a. bottorff...
TRANSCRIPT
Annexation
An Association of Indiana Counties Perspective
August 22, 2007
David A. Bottorff
Executive Director
Problems
• Cities’ annexation efforts related to tax base and not service delivery needs
• Changes in land use of annexed territory beyond the officially annexed property (fringe)
• Disregard for jointly developed Service Delivery Strategy and Comprehensive Plans
Problems
• Annexing only land and not roadsnot legal but often not challenged
• Cities racing to annex so other cities are landlocked
Problems
• Annexation takes certain revenues away from county government– Income tax dollars– Excise Tax dollars– Road Money
• Annex only commercial land leaving lower AV poverty out
• Cities “stack” annexation, disregarding the intent of the statute. Taxpayers must mobilize, hire an attorney to challenge annexation
Problems
• Increased service delivery and infrastructure costs to county when the county is still providing services
• County remains obligated to finance debt of annexed area.
Framing the Issue
• Leveling the playing field
• Needed to counter the property rights argument advanced by the cities and towns– An unincorporated body’s wish to remain un-
annexed should be given the same consideration as a city’s desire to annex.
Framing the Issue
• Unincorporated property owners have no avenue for relief at the local level other than the courts
Solution
Is Annexation a problem everywhere in Indiana?
No, most counties and their cities work together for the benefit of all citizens, but the problem is growing as cities/towns search for more revenue.
Why is it so difficult to get county officials involved in dealing with the issue?
We believe there are several reasons:
Summary
• Some commissioners/councilors who represent incorporated areas view their role as representing the city government rather than the citizens in county matters.
• Problems often develop very quickly. Intergovernmental relations between a county and city are sometimes only stable until the next election.
Summary
Solutions
• Arbitration Panel– Clear all proposed annexations through a
panel that will give all citizens affected a voice– Consisting of a representative of the City, the
County, and the Department of Local Government Finance.
– Ensure that money that is shifted due to an annexation is in proportion to the services lost by the other units and now performed by the city.