Opinion ID: 1634907
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Appellant's Motion to Amend Final Judgment and Void the Annexation

Text: Appellant asserts that the trial court should have amended its final judgment to include a finding that the annexation was void because the City of Dover made no considerable effort to determine whether the lands in the annexed area met the five criteria set forth in the ordinance as the bases for annexation. Appellant begins this argument by contending that the reason appellee was attempting to annex the property in question was because it wanted to beat the City of Russellville to the land south on Highway 7. Even if such a statement were supported by any testimony or evidence of record, the motive of the appellee is irrelevant. Appellant has cited no case law or statutory law nor does he make any convincing arguments that motive was entitled to any consideration by either the trial court or by this Court. Again, we have repeatedly held that arguments unsupported by authority or convincing argument will not be considered. Bunch v. State, 344 Ark. 730, 43 S.W.3d 132 (2001). Appellant further argues that if a majority of the voters approve an election that a prima facie case has been made and that this is contrary to the statute and promotes haphazard planning and `land grabs' designed merely to benefit the city through increased tax revenues or other irresponsible goals. Interestingly enough, however, this argument fails to mention or attempt to distinguish Gay v. City of Springdale, 287 Ark. 55, 696 S.W.2d 723 (1985), which held: The procedural rules are well settled to determine whether any one of the criteria is met: A majority of electors voting in favor of annexation makes a prima facie case. City of Crossett v. Anthony, 250 Ark. 660, 466 S.W.2d 481 (1971). Gay v. City of Springdale, 287 Ark. at 58, 696 S.W.2d 723. [Emphasis added.] Appellant's argument appears to be in direct contrast to the statutory scheme for challenging an annexation election. The appellant must prove that the lands do not meet the statutory requirements. The manner by which the lands being annexed were determined to be included or excluded or the manner used to determine whether they met the statutory requirements prior to annexation have been resolved by the election. The making of a prima facie case as a result of the election had the effect of shifting the burden of proof to the appellant. Appellant's argument is simply at odds with the statutory scheme and applicable case law in regard to annexations. There is simply no basis for delving into what may have transpired prior to the adoption of the annexation ordinance and election once the election was successful. At that point, the party attacking the election must prove that the lands do not meet the applicable criteria or that there was some irregularity in the election itself. Appellant has simply failed to demonstrate error in the actions of the trial court.