Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, June 28, 1990 TAG: 9006280376
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER MUNICIPAL WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Vinton Mayor Charles Hill said Wednesday that Musser's request would "severely impact the future of the town" and require a renegotiation of the consolidation agreement as it pertains to Vinton.
Musser, one of Roanoke's consolidation negotiators, said recently he thinks the residents should be given the opportunity to vote on joining the town rather than being automatically annexed.
In a letter to Musser, Hill said Town Council believes that the provisions in the consolidation agreement that pertain to Vinton "should remain in place" as approved earlier by both the city and county.
Under the agreement, Vinton would be allowed to triple its size and expand to the Botetourt and Bedford County lines, taking in the areas along Virginia 24 and Hardy Road, if consolidation is approved.
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 it would be part of the consolidated government, with a relationship similar to what it now has with the county.
Vinton was not a voting participant in the consolidation negotiations, but town officials were allowed as observers to help ensure that the town's interests and assets were protected.
"Roanoke County and Roanoke City have agreed to the consolidation plan by formal action of the Board of Supervisors and City Council. This plan has been approved and recorded with the Circuit Court for each jurisdiction as required by state law," Hill said.
Any changes in the consolidation agreement would be the responsibility of the city and county, Hill said, but Vinton would insist that the agreement be renegotiated if there are any changes that affect the town.
Three county supervisors and some residents in the rapidly growing area also want the residents to have the chance to vote on becoming part of the town.
After the initial boundary expansion, Vinton agreed that 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 requested a change that would allow residents in the eastern part of the county to vote on joining Vinton.
During the consolidation negotiations, Musser agreed that the east county area could automatically become part of the Vinton if consolidation is approved. But he 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.
"This question is not whether this change would enhance the chances for the passage of the consolidation vote or not. The question is whether or not it is fair for these citizens to have a vote to determine their fate," Musser said.
by CNB