Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, June 7, 1990                   TAG: 9006070356
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER MUNICIPAL WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

MUSSER TO ASK VINTON OFFICIALS TO OK SECOND VOTE

Musser, one of the Roanoke consolidation negotiators, said he believes the residents should be given the opportunity to vote rather than being automatically annexed.

Under the consolidation agreement, Vinton would be allowed to triple its size and expand to the Botetourt and Bedford County boundary lines, taking in the area along Virginia 24 and Hardy Road.

It would be permitted to annex several subdivisions, including Falling Creek, Stonebridge Acres, Spring Grove, Lindenwood, Croft and Montgomery Village.

Vinton would keep its status as a town, but would be part of the consolidated government, with a relationship similar to what it now has with the county.

Three county supervisors and some residents in the rapidly growing area want the residents to have the chance to vote.

After the initial boundary expansion, Vinton has agreed it would not seek independent city status or try to annex any territory from the consolidated government for 25 years.

Supervisors Chairman Dick Robers, Lee Eddy and Steve McGraw have requested a change that would allow residents in the eastern part of the county to vote on joining Vinton.

Two weeks ago, Musser and Vice Mayor Beverly Fitzpatrick Jr. met with Robers, McGraw and Vinton officials to discuss the request. At that time, the negotiators agreed that no change would be made.

But Musser now thinks the residents should have the chance to vote, similar to a second-vote proposal for residents in the western part of the county to join Salem.

Musser plans to send a letter to Vinton asking Town Council to agree to a second vote for the east county area. Mayor Charles Hill said Tuesday he had not received any communication and would not comment.

Meanwhile, Mayor James Taliaferro said Salem City Council will respond after its July 9 meeting to the consolidation negotiators' latest offer for a financial settlement to allow most of the Catawba Magisterial District to join Salem if consolidation is approved.

Salem would have to pay $16 million to the consolidated government. And it would have to agree not to accept any annexation petitions by Catawba residents for 25 years if consolidation is rejected.

Taliaferro said council wants to get the views of residents in the Catawba District and Salem before it votes. Council will hold two meetings in Catawba and one in Salem.