Annexation is an issue that causes the ears of city and township residents alike to perk up.
Anyone who has been following the annexation issues arising in the areas surrounding the St Cloud metropolitan area realizes also that annexation can also cause both sides to firmly dig in their heels. Discussion of local city annexation of Paynesville Township land last surfaced about ten years ago, in my fledgling days on the city council. At that time the Hilltop area was experiencing some septic troubles that needed addressing. After much discussion and study, it was determined that the cost to affected property owners of laying sewer and water lines to provide those services was higher than any benefits received. Recent events have brought annexation discussions between the city and township into the picture again.