Opinion ID: 1564070
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 18

Heading: Factor 11: Whether incorporation will affect the interest of landowners in the affected area.

Text: ¶ 51. Jackson argues that it is impossible to determine how incorporation will affect landowners in the revised PIA, since BI has not offered a specific plan to provide municipal services to the area. Jackson asserts that BI has put forth a conceptual $6 million budget without specifying which services or capital improvements will be provided to the PIA. ¶ 52. BI asserts it will create and provide plans for municipal services once Byram is incorporated and has sworn officers with the power to create such plans. BI further argues that landowners will have a voice in a self-determined government and will experience enhanced municipal services. The Objectors contend incorporation would enhance the value of their property. ¶ 53. The chancellor found that an incorporated Byram will be able to provide its citizens with a localized government, enhanced municipal services, and increased property values. In reaching his conclusion, the chancellor heard testimony from various experts who helped BI formulate an implementation plan. The implementation plan contains a budget for basic municipal services based on expected revenues. ¶ 54. This Court finds the chancellor appropriately concluded that landowners in the revised PIA will benefit from increased land values and enhanced services. Landowners in the four-square-mile area should likewise experience increased land values and enhanced services upon annexation.