The City's Argument FOR Annexation
The city of Chattanooga claims that the Master Interlocal Agreement signed by county and city officials back in 2000 gives the city the right to annex any and all areas in the described Urban Growth Boundary. This was not a mandate for annexation, only an agreement of a maximum boundary for annexation throughout the year 2020.
The city claims that county residents living on the boundaries of the city limits are tax evaders who "freeload" off the city of Chattanooga without paying our fair share for use of the city roads and parks/recreation facilities the city provides.
The city claims that urban growth is essential to the "vitality" of the city of Chattanooga and that economic progress is unattainable without annexing these areas.
City officials claim that annexation is needed for the revenue it will generate for the city of Chattanooga.
City officials claim that without annexation, "this ship will go down" - Jack Benson
The city claims that they have the financial ability to, and will, provide services to annexed residents within the state mandated 3 year time frame following annexation.
The city claims that these annexations are for the health, safety and welfare of the residents annexed.
The city claims that annexation will result in lower insurance premiums based on the ISO class ratings of city fire services.
Councilman Manny Rico stated on Channel 9 news, WTVC, that the council was instructed by the city attorneys to "rush through" annexation hearings in order to have newly annexed citizens on the property tax rolls prior to 2010 so they would be counted in the 2010 census. This would potentially allow for more federal grant money due to the increase in population.
HCRAA will show in court that these annexations are not within the spirit of the annexation laws of the state of Tennessee, that the annexed areas do not materially retard the growth of the city of Chattanooga and that the areas in question would not benefit from the few services provided by the city of Chattanooga.
Link to Chattanooga City Website for Annexation Information.
http://www.chattanooga.gov/annexation/annexation_info.htm
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