Howardwick board okays annexation

The City of Howardwick expanded its boundaries with a vote of the Board of Aldermen last Tuesday, August 11.

The Saints Roost Section was annexed by the city, Mayor Mike Rowland said.

The mayor said health and safety were primary concerns in taking this action, and he said residents living in that area will receive benefits from being part of the incorporated area of the city.

“Our concern is the grass out there is four feet tall in some places,” Rowland said. “If there were a fire, it would endanger Howardwick.”

The Saints Roost Section 1 and 2 was originally intended to be part of the city, Rowland said of the area that is bounded by Hwy 70 on the east, Rick Husband Blvd. on the south, and the existing city limits on the west. It encompasses about 0.8 square miles and is already platted with streets and has the same water system as the city.

City Secretary Tammy Jordan said one person – an unregistered voter living in the Saints Roost section – objected to the annexation at last week’s meeting. She said the city has logged two complaints about the action concerning taxation and livestock.

“They can keep their animals; I don’t care,” said Rowland. “And their taxes will go up, but its 25 cents per $100 valuation.”

Rowland said the city will provide road maintenance in the Saints Roost section and will also provide mowing services. All residents of Howardwick are required to keep their lots mowed, or the city will mow the lots and bill the owner.

Rowland said residents in Saints Roost already enjoy some city benefits – the availability of trash disposal, the availability of postal boxes at City Hall, and the protection of the city’s fire department.

Jordan said in addition to addressing safety issues, the officials intend to provide an alternate access road into the city itself from Hwy. 70 through Saints Roost. Currently access is mainly through Rick Husband Blvd.

Rowland said finalizing annexation at this point only requires filing the proper paperwork with the state.