by Joe Petrusaitis, Hamilton
For the past 20 years, previous administrations, plus laws passed by previous councils, have supported annexation for water and sewer services. Grants are usually given for repairs of old existing systems. Expansion of services have to be paid for by the residents. We have been advised repeatedly that control of planning is best done and approved at the time of annexation! In the last study the city was told that our water system would carry us for the next 20 or so years. Why has a different company given a different assessment? Please be very careful about giving breaks to folks outside the city limits and putting new expenses for new equipment on the tax bills of longtime residents! Most grants come from the interest on the coal tax fund. Most cities apply for these grants every 2 years. The competition and awards are based on greatest need. Thank you for your PUBLIC service.