Jessica Taloney
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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The biggest reason I see to not incorporate is the city engineers office. The reason the city wants to get more of the county is because of the revenue from all the development. The reason the county is booming is because they encourage development and are easy to work with. The city on the other hand is extremely inconsistent and hostile towards development. Case in point- lets say you have a site plan you want to build in the city. When you turn in a set of plans, a receptionist with little or no civil experience will sort through the plans and decide which engineer gets what sheet. Even though you turn in 7 sets of plans, more than enough for everyone to get all sheets. Well, the engineer checking doesn’t get crucial information and fails your submittal because you were missing sheet so-and-so. Now you have burned through a submittal, costing you and you client time and money. And the best part? You have to pay for your resubmittal. It starts out reasonable, like $100.