The Kosciusko Board of Aldermen were slated to discuss whether or not to order an annexation study Wednesday after the Star-Herald deadline.
As the new fiscal year begins, Mayor Jimmy Cockroft asked the board to consider approving a study that would determine the pros and cons of expanding the city limits to include some lands now outside, but adjacent to, the current boundaries.
Those who may be affected would become subject to city property taxes.
While increasing the city lands would increase municipal revenue, it could also cost the city in services, such as extending sewer and water services and providing fire and police coverage.
That cost/benefit analysis would be included the the scope of the study.
“It is probably time for the city to look at it,” said Cockroft. “It will take at least a year to 18 months just to do the study.”
If the city pursues annexation after the study is complete, the request would go before the Chancery Court and a judge would hear public comment before making any decision, the mayor said.
“You can’t sneak up on anybody to do this,” said Cockroft.
In other business, the Mayor said he would be asking the Aldermen to approve the next phase of the city charrette by installing recommended city and way-finding signage.
“There are so many ways to get somewhere, we’ll want to pick the prettiest routes for visitors,” he said.
