Lexington Annexation?

[Noneck_08]

Just came across this in the Dispatch. But the city wants to annex up to 11 areas. It would gain approx. 4000 more residents putting the pop around 25,000. This would alow the city more gov't funding etc. Looking at the article, seems like a plan to help make some more money with the utilites. Also, just to add to the cities pop as we are quickly become a (s)exburb of Winston and G-boro.

"As part of Lexington, these areas would have access to city road maintenance, sewer, water, fire, police, sanitation, electric and natural gas services, which are now provided by private companies, county services or out-of-pocket homeowner association funds."

"With the city's population at 20,605 people, annexing each area studied would increase the population by 3,980 people, edging the city closer to a 25,000-population benchmark that allows for more financial help from the state and federal governments."

If you want to read the full article, go to The-dispatch.com You might have to register but it's free.

[wscruiser]

I just hope the City of Lexington has thier finances for annexation all lined up before they jump the gun and start the process. In all likelyhood, the annexation will be challanged in court by someone. That seems to be the process now. Legal fees add up in a hurry, just ask Thomasville.

As a former lifelong resident of Thomasville, as well as former employee, I can tell you the last large annexation by Thomasville has caused some tremendous set backs for the city's finances.

[cityboi]

Lexington has alot of potential. I think its the 5th largest city in the Triad after Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point and Burlington. Its the gateway city coming into the Triad from the south and is very well known for its barbeque. Lexington does appear to be more aggressive with annexation. Its like a balancing act though. Cities annex areas so the can bring people into the city to pay taxes. Of course that increase the city's finances but at the same time it cost the city too, especially if a city annexes a large chunk of land at one time. When cities provide more services, citywide taxes tend to increase.

[wscruiser]

Actually, Thomasville is larger than Lexington, in both population and land area.

According to the 2004 population information provided by the state, the City of Lexington is ranked as the 39th largest city with a population of 20,605. Thomasville is ranked as the 26th largest city with a population of 25,749.

[Noneck_08]

I agree with all your points. Also from what I hear, T-ville is having some money troubles. As for our future annexations, part of the idea is coming from Lexington Utilites. Unlike alot of cities around here, two companys milk the citizens of Lexington. Lexington Utilites and Lexcom. Lexcom has control of most phone, cable and internet in the city. They are fighting other companys from entering the market also. We have Time Waner, but we use to have Lexcom. There prices were too high and not worth the service. Lexington Utilites is building new lines out to Southmount(High Rock Lake) and out into West Davidson, etc. Alot of these areas are in the annexation plans and these companys really just want some extra money. Since they are associated with the city itself, thats extra dough in there pockets. Alternatives and competition are finnaly starting to come threw, and they are losing buyers. The plant closings aren't helping ethier. The last major annex was back in the 90's when they annexed Linwood. A large, sprawling area around the south side of town.