Annexation questioned
Questions abound from county residents on land surrounded by Pea Ridge city limits whose property is included in a proposed annexation during a public hearing Tuesday, Feb. 21, at the monthly City Council meeting.
“This is not anything the city has done arbitrarily,” Mayor Jackie Crabtree explained. “This was done in the legislature.”
Jeff Hawkins, executive director for the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission, was present to answer questions. He said the annexation would mean an additional .005 mills in taxes which woud translate to about a nickel per $1,000 of assessed value.
Fire Chief Jamie Baggett said the fire insurance would reduce for homeowners in the areas after they’re annexed.
Brandon Grigg asked whether city sewer would be available and if residents would be required to connect.
Ken Hayes, superintendent of the city’s Water/Wastewater Department, said no one would be required to connect to either water or sewer at this time. “Even if within 300 feet, we haven’t enforced that,” Hayes said, referring to a city ordinance encouraging persons within 300 feet of the sewer line to connect.
“We’re not going to make you get off a well,” the mayor answered Jimmy Wiltgen when asked whether he would be required to connect to city water.
Several people asked about pets and livestock.
Building official Tony Townsend said all property being annexed would come in as agricultural. He said the city ordi- nance requires five acres to have livestock but that all pieces of property with livestock on it now would be “grandfathered in.”
The city’s ordinance governing pets restricts total number of cats and/or dogs to four, but the mayor said those in the annexed areas would be “grandfathered in” and no one would be forced to get rid of their pets.
“We want to know what you’re going to do with our road,” Rick Robinson, Ellis Lane, asked.
Street superintendent Nathan See said all roads annexed in would be maintained.
Dino Collins, Hayden Road, asked why three other parcels that are islands aren’t included in the annexation.
“I thought we had everything in there,” the mayor said, adding that he would look into it.
“I’m confused about the purpose of the annexation,” Mitzi Peronia said. “Is it about 911 — about police coverage?
“To me, if that is the only reason for the annexation, it’s not something that is necessary. I don’t want to be in the city. I want to be in the county. I feel like we’re not represented,” Peronia said. “We didn’t vote for the mayor or City Council; we have no say so in the annexation.”
“It’s our land we’re talking about,” Ellie Mae Hollingsworth said.
Peronia said she had heard the annexation was prompted by the proposed construction of a school on property north of the City Park.
“This has nothing to do with the school,” the mayor said.
“I’ve been there since 1990,” Peronia continued. “I support the school. I have a business in Pea Ridge. I think we need to have some say so about what happens to our homes … there’s more than the school, there’s more than growth.”
Hawkins explained that the legislature did not mandate the annexations, but strongly encouraged them. He said the ultimate decision is up to the City Council. He said Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning helped several cities including Bella Vista and West Fork get rid of numerous islands. “It’s been going on for some time. It’s not required, but highly recommended.”
The council approved the first reading of the ordinances for the annexations by title only. The second reading will be at the March meeting. Three readings of an ordinance are required before an ordinance can be approved.
“I’m confused about the purpose of the annexation. Is it about 911 — about police coverage?” Mitzi Peronia