Annexation meeting draws crowd
Posted on Sunday, July 20, 2008
Residents opposed to the proposed annexation said loss of freedom was the main reason they were against it.
The city is proposing to annex in more than 6, 000 acres including the Dawn Hill community and City Lake.
About 70 residents in the proposed annexation area viewed maps and posed questions to city staff in a public meeting at City Hall on Thursday.
"It's a really good turnout," said Ben Rhoads, long-range planner. "That was more than what we were expecting."
Leo Setian, who's lived on Sycamore Heights Road since 1971, said loss of control over what he could do is why he's against the proposal.
"I have bees and cattle," Setian said. "Things like fireworks would be controlled."
David Fields said he's opposed to it because of similar reasons.
"It's government trying to control an area outside the city limits," Fields said. "All this is is a land grab."
Fields owns 36 acres and a home on Chesney Road.
This land is planned for industrial use, according to the map showing long-range land use.
"I'm very, very opposed to it," he said. "We're going to try to squash it."
Other residents living in the proposed annexation area came to the meeting to learn more about the annexation.
"I think I'm for it," said Mitch McChristian of Lake Forest Heights. "I need some more education."
City Administrator David Cameron said people will be able to comment on the annexation at the city board meeting Aug. 5.
Residents were able to drop off written comments at the meeting.
"I'm generally leaning against it," said Tim Gryder of Meadow Hill Road. "In the county, I have more freedom."
He was able to shoot off fireworks on July 4, but this would not be allowed in the city.
Gryder later said he found out that the developer of his subdivision agreed to be annexed into Siloam Springs, so the annexation was a moot point for him.
"If they take us, it's better than Gentry taking us," Gryder said.
He now buys water and electricity from the city of Siloam Springs and uses a septic tank.
Residents at the meeting were given an information sheet provided by the city of Siloam Springs.
According to the information, the city will provide certain services immediately if the annexation is approved • Police • Fire / EMS • Sanitation and curbside recycling • street maintenance • code enforcement • animal services Residents would be on city electric within three years.
Possible services the city might provide would include city water and sewer.
The city would need to spend $ 18. 7 million to pay for the basic services for the first five years.
Residents would see a property tax increase of $ 100 to $ 300 per year per household.
The proposed annexation area includes • 848 homes • 2, 145 people • 6, 246 acres Residents in the proposed annexation area and in the city will be able to vote on the issue.
The annexation proposal is planned to be on the November general election ballot.
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