At the edge of cities and towns across North Carolina, property rights collide with progress, resulting in anger and mistrust that has festered for 50 years.
The controversy over involuntary annexation – in which a city or town can expand its borders even if an affected property owner does not consent – has raised blood pressure and sparked fights for a half century. The issue is a perennial problem at the legislature.
But this year, the pressure to do something has reached a boiling point and lawmakers say they want to give property owners more rights when cities start stretching their borders.
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Annexation Facts:
What is involuntary annexation?
There are multiple ways a city or town can extend its borders in North Carolina. One method has sparked controversy for decades. Involuntary or forced annexation allows a city or town to extend its borders without the permission of property owners. The city must provide certain services, such as police and fire protection, and generally has an obligation to give water and sewer service to those who request it.
In some cities, involuntary annexation happens on a regular schedule with little controversy. In other places, it has sparked protests, lawsuits and outrage. Here's why:
Arguments for:
Ensures that everyone who benefits from the amenities of an urban area shares the cost.
Reduces duplication in services.
Helps a city or town keep its tax base. Without annexation, cities lose population and property values decrease.
Arguments against:
A guiding principle of the United States is that people cannot be taxed without a voice. Involuntary annexation increases taxes, and property owners cannot stop it.
People have a right to choose where and how they live. Government, through involuntary annexation, can take that right away.
Property owners living near a town or city already spend money in that community, which has a greater benefit to the area economy than higher taxes.
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