Using City Money To Clean Private Property

Alabama Mobile This weekend the city of Mobile will be making another push to convince people in the Theodore area to vote yes to annexation.

by Kesshia Peyton

Published: Thu, September 25, 2008 - 4:24 pm CST Last Updated: Thu, September 25, 2008 - 4:40 pm CST

This weekend, the city of Mobile will be making another push to convince people in the Theodore area to vote yes to annexation.
To prepare for the big day they cleared off several acres of land to showcase what Mobile has to offer.
But is it fair to use city resources to get their point across?
Thursday, News 5 found crews cutting grass on several acres of land on Old Military Road in Theodore, which is out in the county. The problem is they were city workers, using city equipment, on private property.
City spokesperson Barbara Drummond told us there's a good explanation.
"We don't own property in Theodore. We looked around for a site, got with the property owner and requested that we have use of that site free of charge. Certainly we couldn't go down there and say ok, let us use your site free of charge and we want you to go cut the grass."
City Attorney Lawrence Wettermark says the Mobile City Council has unanimously approved the annexation effort and cutting the grass is necessary to hold the City Day function on Saturday and this is a proper use of public employees and equipment.

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JudyH Says:

Fri, Sep 26, 2008 at 8:06 pm

Oh the other pics at that link are all the dirt roads are that still in Mobile Terrace and haven’t been paved YET—1 year after the annexation!

JudyH Says:

Fri, Sep 26, 2008 at 8:04 pm

Well, I think it would have been a better use of City funds, equipment and personnel if they would have gone over to Mobile Terrace and cleaned up some. You do remember Mobile Terrace right? That’s the last place that was annexed and promised all sorts of things from Mobile. Well, take a look at this pics and see what you think…
http://s262.photobucket.com/albums/ii107/JudyInSemmes/MobileTerrace/
I say that the City needs to take care of what they already have instead of going out and biting off even more….

asda2 Says:

Fri, Sep 26, 2008 at 1:20 pm

I am glad to hear about this.—I will be there with my picketing sign to say NO to annexation. Since they will not allow me to vote! Unless they are taking that right away too!

hfloyd Says:

Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 8:12 pm

How about Lucedale - there must be property near a Wal-Mart they want.

claycitymadness Says:

Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 7:36 pm

they are welcome to use some of my side yard for city day. i’ll expect the equiptment monday,n=dont come to early got an nfl hangover and dont get up till 10 on monday.oh its on baldwin county where you will be annexing soon i am sure claiming the water is contigious with the city of mobile

hfloyd Says:

Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 7:23 pm

If the City has so much to offer, why didn’t the City offer this to all the areas omitted. Why the rush to annex - why not have input from local leaders. Additionally, don’t forgot increased taxes at restaurants (goes to 10%), increase tax when you purchase a vehicle, renew car tag etc. Also, the property will then be appraised at City rates so even if the municipal portion is not paid for 5 years, the rest of the tax will increase upon re-appraisal for tax purposes.
Maybe if the City spent this type of effort on keeping businesses and residents in the City, annexation would not be an issue. The way the lines are drawn are leaving out members of the community.
One would hope that the residents who vote in the annexation election realize that nothing is free from the government.

DEW26M Says:

Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 5:20 pm

What is this “City Day” they are speaking of ?

BamaBob Says:

Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 5:20 pm

What are these many benefits? Free smoke detectors and garbage pickup?

How about

Increased Property Taxes

Increased Sales Tax

Increased Water & Sewer

Huge Sewage Connection Fee

Land Use Fines

Eminent Domain

Get Real!!!

BamaBob Says:

Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 5:13 pm

OUTRAGEOUS!!!

mwo36609 Says:

Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 5:10 pm

I find nothing is wrong as long as this is a one time event. The City of Mobile has a lot to offer the areas up for annexation. It is my hope that the residents in these areas get a good understanding of the potential benefits by joining the city.