Annexation Vote Could Happen Next Month

Mobile Theodore Mobile's Mayor insists annexation is necessary but critics are calling it a power grab for rich business districts. READ PROPOSAL

by Jessica Taloney

Published: Fri, August 15, 2008 - 2:42 pm CST Last Updated: Mon, August 18, 2008 - 12:20 pm CST

More than 4,000 residents will find their home on an annexation map proposed by Mobile city leaders, who are hoping to expand their borders.

"Our backyard is in the county and the front is in the city," says Sherry Shreves who lives right on the line. Part of Shreves' property is in the aggressive plan, which includes the Theodore/Tillman's Corner area, Moffett Road and three subdivisions: Windmill Place, Dominion and Wellington. "I don't mind being in the city. I really prefer to be in the city," she says.

But, Jennifer Lock, who owns a home and business on the map disagrees. She's opposed to what will be a higher property tax and a 2% increase on the sales tax. "I think we're paying enough taxes as is," says Lock.

On a $100,000 home, the proposed annexation would cost a homeowner an extra $150 a year in property taxes.... $70 will go to the city and $80 will go to the Mobile County School District, according to Mobile Mayor Sam Jones, but Jones insists part of the increase will pay for police and fire protection, which the targeted areas, all in police jurisdiction, already receive.

" "Keep in mind that what the city does with this tax base is turn it back into the community," says Mayor Jones who denies critics' claim that the city is trying to line its pockets with extra tax revenue from business rich districts. "We are a service driven organization, we're not a profit making organization," said Jones.

But, Mobile County Commissioner Mike Dean isn't buying it. He says the way the map is drawn is nothing more than a power grab. "If you want to go into the city, vote to go into the city, but don't take the areas to be gerrymandered," said Commissioner Dean, who represents District 3.

Residents who live in the proposed annexation areas will ultimately make the decision. Mayor Jones says he wants the city council to set the date for a special election at their August 26th meeting. The election could take place as early as next month.

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JudyH Says:

Fri, Sep 19, 2008 at 9:45 am

Awesome meeting last night at Crawford United Methodist Church! We had a great turnout and people are very upset about what Mobile’s Mayor Jones is doing with his annexation referendum.
One thing, the residents living in the Semmes Community will stick together for what we believe in. Don’t attack us or our neighbors—don’t try to divide us from our neighbors.
Semmes/Crawford residents will continue to oppose and fight against annexation. What Mobile is doing is wrong, unethical and immorale!

JudyH Says:

Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 5:30 am

Annexation Meeting Thursday Night, Sep/18 @ 6:00 PM
Citizens against annexation in the Semmes area will be holding a meeting Thursday night at Crawford United Methodist Church at 6:00 PM.

JudyH Says:

Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 5:30 am

asda2 wrote: “You know Sam not all the Walmarts should be in your tax base. I know that is your true Motivation here. You know Sam they have Walmarts in Pascagoula and also in Daphne maybe you should Annex them as well.”
asda2 you know, I don’t think there will be any WalMarts left that are not in the City if this annexation takes place…

asda2 Says:

Fri, Aug 22, 2008 at 3:05 pm

I thought the Jim Crow laws were a thing of the past and this is about as close as you can get.

Corky N Says:

Fri, Aug 22, 2008 at 2:59 pm

How is anyone, allowed to choose the people,to vote in a certain area? This seems to be the thing many Americans, have lost their lives, trying to keep my rights, to live in a free land,how can we forced to allow someone, to take our community,and choose the people to vote on this, I could be wrong, but this seems to be communism. Let the community vote,and we will stay in Mobile County,if we wanted city we would have bought in the city. Please Mayor Jones, just laeve us alone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

cmb1 Says:

Mon, Aug 18, 2008 at 2:17 pm

For all of you talking about the city engineering you must have never delt with the county.. As for Semmes I live here and i wish the city would take over not all the flea markets!

asda2 Says:

Mon, Aug 18, 2008 at 2:11 pm

You know Sam not all the Walmarts should be in your tax base. I know that is your true Motivation here. You know Sam they have Walmarts in Pascagoula and also in Daphne maybe you should Annex them as well. I am sure he is sitting in his office trying to figure out a way to put Calvary as part of Mobile too so they can tax the Steel Mill.

j2ndinline Says:

Mon, Aug 18, 2008 at 2:01 pm

UNCLE SAM is coming to town SEMMES and he wants you. I hear they might be wanting to move the public housing from down town to help relieve the crime problem down town and their thinking goes that Semmes might be a good location. I wonder if you could ever get anyone to admit having a discussion on that ?

rmseek1234 Says:

Mon, Aug 18, 2008 at 12:18 pm

Your tax increase will not help our schools Sam. I will gladly give of my time, efforts, and resources to better my community and schools. I know there are many others who feel the same. We do not need you or your plan Mayor Jones!

rmseek1234 Says:

Mon, Aug 18, 2008 at 12:16 pm

Has anyone seen the poll on this site about annexation? I don’t know who the 74% percent supporting annexation are, but they are NOT representative of anyone I know in the Semmes area. Must be ole Sammy trying to show vast support for his proposal, when in fact, our communities are outraged. We live in the county for a reason. We do not want to be a part of the city, and there is NOTHING the city can offer to make our life better. Free garbage service? I have no problem paying for my own. Sewer service? Have a tank-thanks. Police and fire protection-got it-good old boys in brown and top notch volunteers.I don’t need your city cronies moving to my hood, thank you very much. Would your plan also include expanding public housing? We don’t want it out here. I don’t want your tax increase.

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