Video: Columbus Annexation in Hands of Judge

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) — Columbus plan to expand its borders is now in the hands of a judge.

The city put on two witnesses Monday — Columbus Light and Water Director Todd Gale and consultant Chris Watson — to make its case before Lowndes County Chancery Court Judge Kenneth Burns and rested its case Monday afternoon.

Gale outlined the utility’s existing water, sewer and electric service in the proposed areas and how it could handle additional service. Watson, who has been working with the city for more than five years to define proposed areas for annexation and their costs and benefits and drew up the current plan approved by the City Council more than three years ago, testified about the areas planned for annexation and what services are available, which ones aren’t, how the city would address those services and other issues.

Four objectors showed up to oppose the plan, but two of those eventually dropped their objections. The other two questioned Watson about the areas and the impact on their property.

The city wants to add three square miles mostly to the east of the city along Lehmberg Road and Highway 12 The area includes about 1,500 people and 44 businesses. City leaders say they can easily handle the additional services without additional costs to current taxpayers. They say the annexed areas will benefit from dramatically lower property insurance rates and improved services.

Burns didn’t say when he’ll make a ruling.

Categories: Local News

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