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GOLDSBORO PHASE XI ANNEXATION
Buck Swamp Annexation Area
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SAMPLE DEANNEXATION LETTERS:
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- The City annexed the Buck Swamp Area in 2008. The original annexation was to be effective June 30, 2004 but was challenged in court. The courts ruled in favor of the City.
- Since that annexation, the City has been providing police, garbage pickup and recycling, street maintenance, fire hydrants, street lights and all administrative services associated with those services. Residents in that area may participate in municipal elections, run for office and serve on City boards.
- The City has also been engaged in performing tasks associated with delivering sewer service to the Buck Swamp Annexation Area.
- The residents of the Buck Swamp Annexation Area benefit from the protections afforded through the City’s zoning process and building inspections. The integrity of that neighborhood has been assured by the provision of these services and extension of utilities.
- Last month the North Carolina General Assembly passed a law (House Bill 56) that pertained only to Goldsboro and a handful of other cities. This legislation would permit property owners within the Buck Swamp Annexation Area to petition to remove the area from the city limits, essentially “deannexing” the property. Only owners of property in that area would be allowed to participate in the petition process, whether or not they actually live in the area. If you rent property in this area, you are not allowed to participate in the petition process for deannexation. If you live outside of the area, and are a city resident, you are not allowed to participate in the petition process for deannexation.
- If at least 60% of the owners petition to deannex, Phase XI residents would lose access to City services immediately and the City will effectively lose the taxes which were levied against the property owners in the Buck Swamp Annexation Area which totaled approximately $416,000 last year. Those taxes constituted their “fair share” towards paying for services received.
- As a remaining City resident, you and your fellow citizens will be responsible for the debt incurred by extending services to the Buck Swamp Annexation Area. As of June 2011, that debt includes approximately $2.2 million spent so far in extending sewer lines to the area and approximately $700,000 under contract through bonds to continue providing sewer-related tasks. Remaining City residents will be responsible for the debt incurred by extending services to you. In addition, over $200,000 has been spent providing garbage service to this area since 2008.
- The City’s legal counsel has determined that the legislation allowing for the deannexation is possibly unlawful and is preparing to challenge the legislation in court which would ensure that the Buck Swamp Annexation Area remains a part of the City.
- If you are interested in participating in this effort, you may become involved as a plaintiff and the City’s legal counsel will represent you, other residents and the City. The City would bear all legal costs associated with this effort, however, you would have to commit to being an active and available participant.
- If you are interested in supporting your Goldsboro community, please complete the included form. Forms should be sent to: Attn: Monica Weddle, City Manager’s Office, City of Goldsboro, PO Drawer A, Goldsboro, NC 27533. For questions, please call (919) 580-4330.
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