Opinion ID: 1727552
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: Batesville's Past Performance in Provision of Services to Current Residents

Text: ¶ 37. The Chancellor concluded that, [w]ith the possible exception of the lack of sewer services available to some residents in past areas of annexation, there is little evidence to suggest that the past performance of the city in providing services to residents is anything short of satisfactory. ¶ 38. Batesville points out in its brief its history of providing water, sewage, and gas services, as well as resolving street problems, within a reasonable period of time of its last two annexations. The only problem cited by the COA is that less than 2% of the residents (approximately 35) of the last annexation have not been connected to Batesville's sewer system. Batesville should be commended for this record. However, east of I-55, sewer services have been provided only to the Parker-Hannifin Plant because Batesville has not found it economically feasible to extend further the sewer lines on that side of the interstate. Thus, there are several city clients, albeit businesses, located in areas annexed over 18 years ago that still do not have city sewer services. In this case, there are many residential areas that would benefit from a central sewer system, yet Batesville has not promised to provide that service to the more remote disputed areas unless it is economically feasible. Because of the large amount of area allowed for annexation, and the need for development of utilities and consolidation of services, it cannot be said that annexation of the E½-Corridor 6 South Area is reasonable. This factor weighs against the reasonableness of the annexation for the E½-Corridor 6 South Area.