Objectors still studying new annexation plan

Published 5:00 am Friday, October 17, 2003

Brookhaven officials Thursday released a copy of the city’srevised Services and Facilities Plan for providing services tocitizens in a proposed annexation area should the expansion beapproved.

The plan breaks down — by city department — projections foradditional personnel, equipment and operating expenses for thefirst five years after the annexation. The document also includesstreet lighting, water and sewer services plans for the proposedannexation area, property value projections and five years ofproposed budgets for the enlarged city.

The city intends to use the plan to justify its request toenlarge from the current 7.3 square miles to 23.9 square miles. Interms of people, the population would go from the current 9,861 toapproximately 13,200.

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Attorneys representing annexation objectors received a copy ofthe plan Tuesday.

Attorney Carlisle Henderson, who is representing the largestgroup of objectors, said the defense is reviewing the plan. Indiscussing the annexation, he questioned whether the city can takeon the additional territory and whether it can handle theannexation financially and otherwise.

“That’s what our expert is working out,” Henderson said.

The new plan varies some from earlier projections given toobjectors. Henderson did not discuss specifics, but he said therewere some changes in equipment and personnel projections indifferent areas.

“That means the financial numbers change,” Henderson said.

Parties are continuing to try an work out some pre-trial detailsthrough a conference call with special chancellor John Ross. Thetrial is scheduled for Nov. 5 and is expected to last about twoweeks.