Opinion ID: 1727552
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: Impact of Annexation on Residents of Proposed Annexation Area

Text: ¶ 39. The Chancellor found that the impact of annexation on the residents of the proposed annexation area could only be positive. Annexation would increase property values, lower insurance premiums, and provide municipal level services to the residents. ¶ 40. The COA, however, believes that their payment of city taxes will gain them nothing that they deem desirable. The residents may incur additional expense in meeting the Batesville's regulations and restrictions, and they would not have the freedom that they currently enjoy to manage their own affairs and property. ¶ 41. In City of Biloxi, we concluded that even though the individual objectors are apparently vehemently opposed to annexation[,] ... the residents of the [proposed annexation area] will receive something in exchange for their tax dollars. Therefore, although the individual objectors make a strong argument against annexation under this indicium, it is only one indicium of the twelve and is not in and of itself conclusive. 744 So.2d at 284. In this case, however, it is more difficult to delineate exactly what services or benefits of value that the residents of the proposed annexation area will receive in exchange for their tax dollars. While the Chancellor correctly noted that the residents would receive lower insurance rates, higher property values, and municipal services, we have pointed out the challenge that Batesville faces to provide adequately for the allowed annexation areas, and we are unable to conclude that residents of the E½-Corridor 6 South Area would be greatly benefitted for their tax dollars.