Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, September 24, 1993 TAG: 9309240221
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: NANCY BELL STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Town officials said Thursday that consultants are updating a 1990 study on the feasibility of annexing about 7 square miles east of Vinton. The exact boundaries of the area haven't been determined.
Emphasizing that "council is only exploring options at this point," Town Manager Clay Goodman said Vinton will not necessarily proceed with annexation even if the new report supports it.
"Once we get the report back, it may show that annexation is advantageous. Three years ago it was - but things change," Mayor Charles Hill said.
For Vinton, the obvious advantages of acquiring eastern Roanoke County would be adding land area to its 3.2 square miles and expanding its residential, commercial and industrial tax base.
Vinton officials have been concerned about the increasing cost to town taxpayers of providing some services to east Roanoke County residents. The town and the county share fiscal responsibility for fire and rescue services and certain utilities.
If Vinton annexed that area, the residents would continue to pay real estate taxes to the county. But they also would pay the surcharge of 5 cents per $100 of assessed value that Vinton adds to the county's tax rate of $1.13.
Assistant Town Manager Bob Benninger said Vinton had no intention of seeking to become an independent city, as the former town of Salem did in 1968.
Without knowledge of the facts of the report, Roanoke County Administrator Elmer Hodge said the county would not necessarily fight annexation.
"My perspective is that we really need to wait and see what the results of the report show, and then look at the financial impact," he said.
The county still would collect real estate and personal property taxes from residents who were annexed into the town. But when Vinton was looking into annexation three years ago, Supervisor Harry Nickens estimated the county would lose $120,000 a year in revenue from sales taxes, decal fees, 911 taxes and liquor store profits.
"If annexation is favorable for the town, then it could also be feasible for the county," said Hill, who said the two governments share a good working relationship.
Hill said the initial annexation report was ordered "to protect the town's interests" during discussions that led to the 1990 Roanoke-Roanoke County consolidation vote. It was tabled after consolidation was defeated.
The original report cost the town $100,000; the update is costing $30,000.
Because of the reports' cost, Goodman said, town officials would like to see the matter resolved one way or the other this time. He said no timetable has been established for reaching a conclusion.
Roanoke County Attorney Paul Mahoney said once the consultant's report is delivered, he hopes the two governments can "work together before positions start hardening."
And even though he said something "drastic appears to be in the wind right now," he feels hopeful the two governments can "sit down and make decisions together."
Hill agrees: "Personally, I'm in favor of talking with the county initially."
If Vinton pursues annexation, and no agreement is reached with the county, the state Commission on Local Government would review documents and hold public hearings in and around the affected area, said Mahoney.
Based on the commission's conclusion, Vinton could petition the circuit court for the right to proceed with annexation.
by CNB