Greenwood takes first step to annex ‘islands’
Three Greenwood residents questioned Greenwood City Council Monday as to why their property would be annexed into the city.
First readings of eight ordinances involved annexing islands of land — 787 total acres. The city has grown around the unincorporated properties. About a third of the unincorporated areas is residential.
The annexation issue produced a lot of discussion among the residents, Mayor Charles Henderson, Planning Director Ed Ferguson and council members.
Ferguson said the annexations would provide more efficient land boundaries in providing government services such as fire and police protection and street maintenance.
Second readings of the ordinances have been scheduled for Oct. 6.
City councilmen Bruce Armstrong and Ron Bates, although in favor of the annexation, sided with the residents because the city is forcing the owners of the areas to be annexed.
The mayor believes owners of the non-annexed land have been getting free city services and, therefore, don’t want to come into the city.
“It’s not fair to the rest of city taxpayers who are paying for city services,” Henderson said.
Asked Judith Hendrickson, who lives on East Pushville Rd.: “What benefit does Greenwood provide me by annexation?”
Allan Wheatcraft, a resident of East County Line Rd., said the annexation of his property means that he would have to pay higher property taxes. He doesn’t like for the city to annex the property “without first asking me.” He said he saw no real benefit of joining the city, and that surrounding neighbors didn’t want to be annexed.
An unidentified resident of Cutsinger Rd., in regard to police protection, said the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department has responded adequately to calls for assistance.
“Me and my neighbors don’t want to be annexed,” he said.
When Mayor Henderson and Councilman Armstrong got into a debate, the mayor again responded: “Why should they pay for something that they already are getting for free?” referring to owners of non-annexed property.
Added the mayor, “We’re not doing this for the money (increased assessed valuation). We’re doing this because it is in the best interest of the city.”
After the meeting, Armstrong said he believed the annexations could benefit the city with greater efficiencies, but he wanted unincorporated property owners to want to be annexed. “They were there before” annexation was considered, he added. “They deserve the right to maintain status quo until they can see the benefits,” he said. “This (annexation) is being done with a big hammer. We need to show them the benefits of joining the city, not force them to do it.”
Councilman Bates, who also believes the annexations will do the city good, said he doesn’t like the hostile takeover by the city. “There’s a loss of freedom. They (owners of unincorporated areas) didn’t have a choice. That bothers me,” said Bates.
The eight ordinances dealing with the following sections of non-annexed properties are as follows:
• 114 acres along Stop 18, Worthsville and Pushville Rds., and U.S. 31
• 9.5 acres along County Line Rd. and Meridian St.
• 133 acres along Honey Creek and Cutsinger Rds., Apryl Dr., Averitt, Stop 18 and Stones Crossing Rds.
• 185 acres north of Middle St. (Linzie Farm)
• 46 acres along Smith Valley, Honey Creek and Curry Rds.
• 46 acres along south sides of Smith Valley and Fairview Rds., and north of Love Ave.
• 115.5 acres along West Main St. (Walker properties)
• 137 acres along Cutsinger and Averitt Rds. (Lehigh Acres)
