The process to annex Windtree and Fox Run residents which began in late 2008 will not be concluded until late 2010 at the earliest. The trial brought against the town by Sandy McMillan was originally set for May 17, but has been postponed until Nov. 15-19.
The annexation will not be completed until legal proceedings have concluded, pending the verdict.
“We had to get a different trial date because we were having some expert witness problems that we wouldn’t be able to try it in May,” Town Attorney Phil Noblett said. “That was the quickest time we could get together after May the 17th.”
The witnesses in question will testify on whether or not proper order was followed during the original annexation proceedings.
The annexation of the combined 251 homes was approved by Signal Mountain Town Council in October 2008, at which point it was met by opposition by many affected residents. Based on figures at that time, it was estimated that those in Fox Run would pay an average $1,400 more in taxes and Windtree residents would pay around $1,100 more.
While there is opposition to being brought into the town, Town Manager Honna Rogers said there is also support. She said she’s received several calls from Windtree and Fox Run residents requesting the services the town provides to its residents.
“They say it’s not fair, we want services,” she said.
During several public meetings the intangible benefits of being part of the town were also touted, such as access to the library and other recreation opportunities without having to pay non-resident fees. Many homeowners in the affected neighborhoods, however, said they did not want the added benefits and could get other services such as garbage collection independently.
“The town felt like they (the residents) would benefit and we would benefit,” Rogers said. “We would provide them good services and they would be good citizens of the town.”