Annexation on table

By

News

May 14, 2013 - 12:00 AM

Iola City Council members held discussions Monday night that will lead them one step closer to annexing, or not annexing, Country Estates.
“I believe we need to move forward for various reasons,” Councilman Steve French said during the meeting. He cited the need for an increase in population in the city, the loss of houses in the 2007 flood, as well as the need for regular maintenance and a stricter billing process for sewer use in the development.
Duane McGraw, a homeowner in Country Estates north of Iola, came before the council to voice his grievances over the state of water and sewer services where he lives.
“Most people couldn’t even tell you where their water meters are,” he said.
He said there is a lack of knowledge, and desire, for people to serve on the water board — which acts as a rural water district outside of the city. He said homeowners and renters are not taking responsibility for their own maintenance, and it is taking a toll on the rest; not to mention he has had the sewers back up into his home on several occasions.
“It’s a problem that has been brewing for some time,” French said.
The only issue on the city’s side — this will not be a money-making venture.
“The annexation will be more of a liability at this point than an asset,” City Administrator Carl Slaugh told the council.
The area, which holds 67 lots and 56 residencies, would require additional maintenance from the city through roadway maintenance, sewer maintenance, and many others. The tax dollars may not be enough to cover the costs.
“It’s going to cost us as a city to get those (lift station) pumps fixed,” Mayor Joel Wicoff said.
“That is a lot of infrastructure we are going to add,” Assistant City Administrator Corey Schinstock said.
Ultimately, Slaugh said the area needs to be annexed in order to receive the funds to update the area, which will need to happen either way.
Wicoff said the area should be annexed for the benefit of the people living there.
“We need to take care of our neighbors,” he said.
Slaugh said the next step would be a public notice of official annexation of Country Estates.

IN OTHER BUSINESS:
— A motion was passed to refinance the hospital bond, in order to garner lower interest rates.
— The Iola Police Department will purchase a new patrol vehicle through Twin Motors Ford for $26,700.
— Ergon Asphalt and Emulsions, Kansas City, was selected as the winning bid for the city’s chip and seal project.
— A petition for annexation was approved by A.C.B., Inc. for a tract of land north of Iola Cemetery, on West Lincoln Street outside of city limits.
— A motion was passed for the Community Development Block Grant payment request, a total of $22,064.
— A motion was passed for a $6,500 payment toward phase one of the wastewater improvement projec

Related
January 15, 2014
September 10, 2013
January 29, 2013
June 13, 2012