Jefferson City council to vote on voluntary annexation

The Jefferson City Council is set to vote on annexing more nearly 20 properties just outside of city limits Tuesday.

ABC 17 News reported, some people living in the Meadows by the Club Subdivision petitioned to be annexed earlier this year.

But residents in the unincorporated area have not always wanted to join the city limits.

Voters turned down a similar proposed annexation a few years ago.

“It didn’t get the necessary 2/3 majority at the second vote,” Planning and Protective Services Director Janice McMillan said. ” So no changes have occurred in the development.”

The properties on Pinehurst Court and Willowlake Court can only be accessed by way of city streets.

Residents would receive several benefits if annexed, according to Second Ward City Councilman Rick Mihalevich.

“We have a 24-hour-7 fully staffed fire station within three or four miles of theirs,” Mihalevich said. “They won’t have to pay the district fee for fire protection, and that will be a huge benefit.”

The residents would also receive city police services, maintained streets including snow removal and cheaper sewer and trash rates.

If approved the city would gain about $1,000 per home through various taxes.

But the cost of fire, police, street and government expenses would end up being more than $1,700 per household.

The move would cost the city about $11,500 to $13,000.

However, Mihalevich said the annexation could benefit the city.

“Those residents can now participate in the city’s boards and commissions, and then also they can participate in city hall and they can even become a–run for city offices,” Mihalevich said.

About seven other property owners in the unincorporated area did not wish to be annexed.

But it is a voluntary annexation, so they would not have to unless the city chooses to put it to a vote at a later time.

The council will hold a public hearing on the issue Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. at city hall.