Forced annexation defies democratic rule

There are three types of annexation in North Carolina: Voluntary, Satellite and Forced Annexation also known as “Taxation Without Representation.” Voluntary and Satellite annexations are basically the same in that they are both voluntary. The rules for each of those two are simple and very easy to implement.

According to the Carolina Journal, North Carolina is one of only seven states that permit forced annexation. The process is simple by allowing cities to notify the public, prepare a report and hold public meetings. All the while, no one can prevent the city from annexing an area it wants as long as the municipality follows the simple rules set up by the Legislature. The ease in this process has spawned many citizen activist groups around our state as residents are angry over having no voice or vote in the decision.

There are Web sites dedicated to stopping forced annexation, including www.stopncannexation.com which addresses the issue in our state.

Maintaining the ability to continue forced annexation is the No. 1 priority of the North Carolina League of Municipalities. This group continuously tries to limit property rights of the citizens of our state.

During the 2004 session, a Just Compensation Bill (HB 1213) was enacted to force municipalities to fairly compensate owners of business property when the city wants the property or wants the property altered. This particular bill was vetoed by the governor; yet, the veto was over-ridden in the North Carolina House of Representatives and was the first veto in our state’s history to be over-ridden by either the N.C. House or N.C. Senate.

The League of Municipalities will fight all efforts to change North Carolina’s law in regard to Forced Annexation; however, legislators should always keep in mind that private property rights is one of the cornerstones of our constitution.

I am strongly opposed to forced annexation as it is truly Taxation Without Representation. Citizens should always have a vote or a voice in regards to their property rights and the taxation of that property. The un-democratic way that North Carolina’s forced annexation laws are written should be changed and allow a vote of those to be annexed.

Based on annexation history, municipalities have shown time and again that they are unable or unwilling to provide in a timely manner the equal quality of services to those being annexed as those currently in the city limits. Locally, I have heard City Council members say that they must annex because they need the money. They should learn to budget just like everyone else and learn to operate within their means just like other organizations. The city should grow within and offer quality services those citizens outside the city desire. This may result in voluntary annexations as those that take place in our state and across our nation numerous times each year.

Those living outside the city limits do so because they choose to. They have water and sewer, fire protection provided by our volunteer firefighters, police protection provided by the sheriff, state maintained roads and trash pickup contracted through private companies.

What is the city offering? Locally, the answer is higher taxes.