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Jefferson's annexation plans don't sit well with Jackson County residents
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Story: Gainesville's annexation plans stir dissent

JEFFERSON — About a dozen Jackson County residents attended a Jefferson City Council public hearing concerning the rezoning and annexation of 35 county properties into the city limits.

"This is an effort to eliminate unincorporated islands within the city limits," said Jim Joiner, Jefferson mayor.

The public hearing was held during the council’s regularly scheduled work session on Monday at the Jefferson Civic Center on Kissam Street. It was the second public hearing on this group of 35 properties, which includes parcels ranging in size from half an acre to a little more than 6 acres.

After a decision is made on this group, there are some 60 others parcels the City Council is going to consider rezoning and annexing.

"I want a hearing with the Jackson County Superior Court," said Shirley Bond, who owns 22 Longview Drive — one of the properties that may be annexed to the city. "I don’t want to go in the city, because you really don’t have anything to offer."

City officials informed Bond that she and other property owners who desired can go before a judge to protest being annexed to the city. Those people have 30 days after the annexation is approved to file action against the city through superior court, their only option for property owners who wish to appeal the City Council’s decision concerning their property.

During the work session, the Jefferson City Council also was presented with a schedule from the public works department concerning delinquent utility accounts.

According to a report from Jeff Killip, the public works director, city water account holders with delinquent accounts were notified in August that accounts had to be paid in full by Nov. 1. City water customers with delinquent accounts will be notified again next week concerning their account’s status.

If the accounts remain delinquent, customers will be disconnected on Dec. 1 and Dec. 2.

The City Council did not take action the agenda items during its work session, but the group is expected to vote on each item during its voting session on Nov. 24.