Opinion ID: 863183
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: conclusion

Text: ¶49. The Chancellor in this case considered all of the indicia of reasonableness and determined that the annexation proposed by Batesville was reasonable with a few limited exceptions that are not the subject of this appeal. We find, however, that the annexation allowed by the Chancellor is not entirely reasonable. While Batesville has demonstrated a need to expand, it has not shown a need for such an aggressive annexation at this time. We are not persuaded that Batesville can and will provide municipal services to all of the proposed annexation area within a reasonable amount of time. ¶50. We are vested with the authority to affirm, reverse, or, in the appropriate case, modify an annexation. See City of Greenville, 513 So. 2d at 941-42; Extension of the Boundaries of the City of Biloxi, 361 So. 2d 1372 (Miss. 1978); see also Miss. Code Ann. § 21-1-33 (1990). The testimony at trial clearly indicated that the Brewer Road Area was essential to the annexation, as that tract of land provides an invaluable bridge between Batesville east and west of I-55, as well as a bridge between the uncontested contiguous areas north and south of Brewer Road. In addition, annexation of the Brewer Road Area will allow for a somewhat symmetrical eastern boundary for Batesville after the annexation. However, because of the 9.7 square miles otherwise allowed for annexation and the comparatively remote location of the E ½- Corridor 6 South Area, annexation should be disallowed of this area until Batesville has demonstrated its ability to extend the full range of municipal services to the areas already allowed here for annexation. ¶51. Therefore, we affirm the Chancellor's decision to allow annexation of the Brewer Road Area, but reverse his decision to allow annexation of the lower eastern quadrant where the other objectors reside. We remand this case to the Chancellor to redraw the boundary of the area permitted to be annexed consistent with this opinion. ¶52. AFFIRMED IN PART; REVERSED AND REMANDED IN PART. PRATHER, C.J., PITTMAN AND BANKS, P.JJ., SMITH AND COBB, JJ., CONCUR. McRAE, J., DISSENTS WITH SEPARATE WRITTEN OPINION. MILLS, J., DISSENTS WITH SEPARATE WRITTEN OPINION JOINED IN PART BY COBB, J.