Video: Judge Approves Columbus Annexation

[syndicaster id=’5344806′]

Click to read judge’s final ruling

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) — Columbus is three square miles and 1,500 people larger.

Lowndes County Chancery Court Judge Kenneth Burns approved the annexation today. His decision comes after a day-long hearing Monday.

Barring appeals, his order begins taking effect in 10 days and will be fully in effect in 30 days. City leaders say they already are planning to implement the annexation. The most immediate impact will be the extension of police and fire service to the annexed areas, which lie mostly along the city’s eastern edge but also include small pockets on the north, south and west. Columbus Light and Water already has a five-year plan to upgrade water service and extend sewer service to those areas not already on city service.

Sales taxes collected at the 44 businesses in the area will begin coming to the city in October as will motor vehicle license renewals. But property taxes won’t apply until the 2016 year.

The 2015 budget recently approved by the City Council did not include any additional revenues from annexation but does include some of the costs.