Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 6, 1991 TAG: 9103060438
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B3 EDITION: STATE
SOURCE: MIKE WOLFE SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: CLIFTON FORGE LENGTH: Medium
In an organizational meeting, citizens assembled at the city's firehouse and expressed concern that merger will lead to higher taxes. Others questioned why there still are unanswered questions about specifics of the plan.
The localities would merge Jan. 1, 1993, if the plan is approved by the state Commission on Local Government, by a three-judge panel and by the voters. Commission hearings are set for April 29-May 1.
The new city would be the largest in land area in the state, stretching for nearly 45 miles between the West Virginia border and Rockbridge County. But the population would be only about 18,000.
Nancy Slusser, a former mayor of Clifton Forge, opened the meeting and expressed many reasons for opposition. Heading her list was the question of why any such proposal would be considered again.
She said the plan is the eighth one to be presented.
Slusser said the localities spent more than $1 million on a 1987 consolidation proposal that included Covington, and which was rejected soundly by that city's voters.
Saying that money "went straight down the sewer," Slusser said this attempt also would be expensive.
She noted that the city attorney for Covington already has filed inquiries and the city is expected to vigorously oppose the plan.
Covington would be left as an independent city surrounded by another independent city.
Slusser asked why Clifton Forge was not given the alternative of becoming a second-class city or a town within the county. She said the effort is a "political ploy [by the county] for fear Covington will annex county land and assets."
Elimination of the name Clifton Forge would cause a further loss of identity, Slusser added. She said the city would be a "community" no different from Longdale or Callaghan or other areas of the county.
The consolidated government would be named Alleghany.
Slusser said merger of the localities' school systems in 1982 caused a loss of "pride and self-esteem."
Concern that there is no guarantee of a tax rate amount in the plan led to speculation that taxes might rise in consolidation.
Other speakers suggested that a city would not be able to maintain its roads as cheaply as can be done now.
Pete Harding, a county resident, said he had seen very little interest in consolidation, and added that local funds could not possibly cover the cost of landslides or bridge repairs.
David Davis, a Clifton Forge resident, said there had been no public hearings to get input from the voters and there are many questions unanswered.
Publicity and phone committees were established, with the next meeting date set for Monday at 7 p.m. Chairmen are to be elected at that time.
by CNB