DEMOREST - The City of Demorest is clearing the way for neighboring residents and businesses who want to annex their homes and property into the city limits.
The council voted Monday night to waive the $150 administrative fees associated with annexation applications, effective immediately and lasting until mid-2016.
Mayor Rick Austin discussed one of the city's selling points at the conclusion of Monday night's meeting.
"The City of Demorest has been very fortunate in that our new ISO rating is a 3," Austin said. "It's very rare to drop in ISO, and it's really rare for us to drop two points in ISO. That makes the city more attractive for those properties that are just outside the boundaries. They get a lower rate on their fire insurance, particularly from the commercial aspect."
Austin and other councilmembers began discussion of the matter at last week's work session.
"Last time as we discussed our decrease in our ISO rating, some people outside of the city limits have come forth and requested to be annexed in, but were concerned about the fee," said Councilman Jerry Harkness. "I thought it would be wise if we waived the fee for a timeline, such as 180 days, so we could start an annexation campaign to see if we can bring in some of these people outside the city limits."
Harkness said he believes at least a 180-day waiver would give interested people the opportunity to opt in if they want their property annexed into the city.
"It also gives the ability to have access to city services," Austin said. "With this fee waiver for annexation, it allows folks to consider whether or not they'd like to be part of the city, have access to the trash pick-up, access to fire and police protection, and those types of things."
While Austin agreed with Councilman Donnie Bennett that the city does have expenses associated with annexation requests, he didn't agree in principal with charging someone to become part of Demorest city limits.
"It seems to me that if someone wants to be a part of this city, they shouldn't have to pay the city to become part of the city," Austin said. "They're going to contribute to this city not only as taxpayers but also as welcomed residents. They will be utilizers of the city services. I'm not in favor of having a fee to annex into the city at all, but if there's going to be a timeline for that waiver then I would personally prefer that it be lengthy."
The waiver is in effect immediately, and city officials plan to develop an annexation campaign.
"We're hopeful that there will be those that are in the immediate, adjacent area to the city that would consider becoming part of our city family," Austin said.
The waiver ends on Wednesday, June 1, 2016.
