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

DATE: SATURDAY, August 19, 1995                   TAG: 9508210019
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-3   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

WHAT'S ANNEXATION?

How: The Pearisburg annexation is voluntary because the town and Giles County negotiated the agreement. The Commission on Local Government must approve the pact. Then a three-judge panel must also approve the annexation. Finally, the town and county must each adopt an ordinance approving the annexation. The earliest this could be approved is June 30, 1996, according to the county's annexation attorney, Del. Richard Cranwell, D-Roanoke County.

What it offers local homeowners: The town will have a timetable in which it must extend sewer service to neighborhoods now on septic systems and extend town water to areas not presently served. Other services could include street lights and town police protection.

What it will cost a local homeowner: An average household would pay $199.04 a year more in taxes, according to a study prepared several years ago by the New River District Planning Commission. If annexed, the new town residents would pay Pearisburg's real estate rate of 40 cents per $100 in addition to the county's rate of 68 cents per $100. The town's personal property rate is $3.75 per $100 assessed value, compared to the county rate of $7.

How can citizens register their opinion? They can write the Local Government Commission in Richmond, speak at Monday night's hearing or file a petition to be heard before the three-judge court.

Four major criteria for annexation approval: 1) Vacant land. 2) Tax base. 3) Community's need for a municipal service. 4) Community of interest.