Annexation is the best way for urban and suburban areas to receive such services as police, garbage and trash collection, sewer service and other municipal services. This is usually the first question property owners ask when considering annexation. Exact costs vary, depending on the value of the property and other factors. City property owners pay new taxes, but save on water and sewer bills, garbage collection fees, fire service charges and county taxes. Some property owners also realize a reduction in their fire insurance premiums.
New taxes are also deductible from state and federal tax returns.
Anyone whose property touches the existing city limits line may petition to annex into the city. State law governs annexation procedures in South Carolina. All persons having an ownership interest in the property must sign. This property must be contiguous at some point. Certified petitions are sent to the City Planning Commission.