Merged Conversation Four: Multiple Items have dealt with the annexed properties and city services to those annexed properties. See below for those conversations. Received via message: What are the plans for connecting annexed properties to city sewer and water services, esp. for small business owners? ScottandChris Cain Sewer and water typically comes as the demand is increased. The services are available, the issues is who pays the cost. It is often a misunderstanding that cities are required to furnish water and sewer, when they are only required to make them available. Much of the newly annexed areas were necessary to both protect Cleburnes ability to grow in the future and manage that future growth. With that in mind, many of the affected landowners were offered land use agreements that allowed them to avoid city taxes, continue current use of the propoerty provided that should they develop their property, they would agree to comply with city zoning and ordinances. I know that annexation is a difficult issue. The recent annexations were the result of years of work by a citizens committee, city staff and council. The work was started long before I took office and finalized during my first few months in office. The decisions that were made were based upon what was best for Cleburne as a whole. Ted Reynolds The mayor answered this very well. After annexation we also provide fire and police protection. I do think that, when possible, we should provide water, sewer, or both. ___________________________________________________ ScottandChris Cain Lynn, one of the key issues on the east side is the need for economic growth. Part of our retail study included target areas for emphasis. I had the east side included for part of the study. As the growth comes, we must funnel some of the economic benefit to the east side and the other areas of Cleburne so we grow together. Cleburne Mayoral Race 2014 Admin Note: please direct specific complaints on this issue to the appropriate sources at city hall. Lynn Limón In your opinion if a property has been annexed and paying city taxes for over 15 years, shouldnt sewer be made available? Water is only available to our commercial property if we drill under the state highway to access it. This is in no way newly annexed property. _____________________________________________________ To all candidates: the page continues to receive comments from citizens concerned about water and sewer services in annexed areas. Please note that this is a priority with a number of folks. Some feel they are paying taxes but not receiving fair services in return. Travis Cochran They do understand that their taxes do not pay for water and sewer right? If they receive water and sewer they will pay more. ScottandChris Cain Annexations are always difficult, but necessary processes. Most of the properties annexed were offered land use agreements so the property could continue its current use without paying city property taxes provided the owner would abide by city regulations should they develop their property. The state requires that water and sewer is made available, but does not require the city to pay for the installation. Other city services, like fire and police protect, are provided. The issue is the cost of installing water and sewer to an area versus the amount of use. In other words, paying several million dollars to add sewer and water to 10 residences. I know this is a difficult situation, but I would prefer to shoot straight and then look for solutions. One of the solutions is to work towards development of residential and business in those corridors to justify the funds being spent. In the end, council must make budgetary decisions based upon the city as a whole.
Posted on: Thu, 13 Mar 2014 16:59:51 +0000
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