Aldernen Take First Steps Toward Future Annexation

Courtsey of WRBE
During the Lucedale Board of Aldermen meeting on Tuesday night, the Aldermen voted to begin the first steps toward a future annexation for the City of Lucedale.
In a work session prior to the meeting Shelly Johnston gave a report from an Annexation study, which had been requested by the city board several months ago. She explained that the study was done to find reasons that the possible annexation would be a success.
Johnston told the board that there were many reasons to consider the annexation including the increase in population and increase in traffic flow since Hurricane Katrina as well as the population and business growth near the U.S. Highway 98 Bypass in recent years.
Johnston also said the Aldermen needed to consider the cost of expanding city services to the annex area such as city streets; the expansion of fire protection and law enforcement; and the need to provide sewer and water services to the new residents.
Johnston said the study showed the economic impact to the residents would be minimum with only a slight increase in garbage fees and taxes, which should be returned to the residents with a decrease in fire insurance premiums.
With the approval at the board meeting, the next step in the project is to write and past an ordinance, define the area boundaries and to define the city services for the area.