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http://www.rockymounttelegram.com/news/
community-forms-group-to-fight-annexation-208782.html

Community forms group to fight annexation | By Eric Klamut | Rocky Mount Telegram | Monday, October 27, 2008

A group of residents Rocky Mount leaders are proposing to annex into the city next year petitioned the City Council to halt the second phase of the city's proposed annexation plan.

At Monday afternoon's City Council meeting, about 100 Nash County residents opposed to Rocky Mount's second phase of annexation showed up to support a newly formed community group opposing the measure.

Betty Edmondson, president of the Oak Level Community Against Forced Annexation, addressed city leaders and presented petitions with more than 900 signatures from neighbors and residents.

"We fight for our country and rights,” Edmondson said to council members. "We have no vote from you. These should be our rights as citizens."

As part of the second phase of Rocky Mount's annexation plan, the city is proposing to involuntarily annex more than 2,200 people and 1,733 acres of land in both Nash and Edgecombe counties.

The second phase of the city's annexation plan comes on the heels of the recent annexation of 2,500 residents and 3,722 acres of property in both counties, which was effective June 30.

Edmondson and members of the organization live in the largest proposed annexation area of more than 1,382 acres in Nash County.

"We fight for our children and grandchildren's futures, which we do not want decided by any of you people," Edmondson said. "These residents want to tell you, 'thanks, but no thanks.'"

The City Council recently approved an annexation report that outlines the proposed areas to be annexed and services that will be provided to new residents if city leaders approve the measure.

Mayor David Combs thanked Edmondson for her input and accepted the petitions — which were distributed in packets to each City Council member.

A public informational meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Nov. 24 at First Baptist Church on South Church Street. A public hearing will follow at 7 p.m. Dec. 8 also at First Baptist Church.

The meetings are being held at First Baptist, city leaders said, in anticipation of a large turnout of residents.

Following the meetings, the City Council is expected to consider an annexation ordinance at its Dec. 18 council meeting.

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