Should Cities Be Able To Annex Despite Landowner Opposition?

Should any city, including Acworth, have the ability to annex property, despite the landowner's opposition?

Although it disagreed with a handful of residents in doing so, the city's Board of Aldermen said yes Thursday to annexing "islands of land" governed by Cobb County, but within Acworth's existing city limits, The Marietta Daily Journal reported.

City officials said the pockets of Cobb property west of Main Street along and between New McEver and Hickory Grove roads confused emergency responders and road crews. But seven land owners spoke out in opposition, citing another level of government that could make future property demands on them and the addition of city property taxes, according to the newspaper.

Acworth annexed parcels in Land Lots 48, 49, 50, 51, 65, 66 and 67, according to the meeting agenda, attached. The move takes effect June 1.

Cobb County and its six cities negotiate service delivery strategies every 10 years, which sets the framework for annexation, according to county's website. Each Georgia city and county is required to have agreements on how each will deliver services, such as police and fire protection, to ensure local governments don't miss overlaps or gaps in services.

The only entity required to consent to the measure, Cobb was in favor of Acworth's incorporation, according to the MDJ.

Should cities and counties have the ability to annex property when the landowner opposes incorporation? Tell us what you think in the comments.

Share your news, photos and videos, with the community and don’t miss any of the local news you care about—subscribe to Acworth Patch's newsletter, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Related Content

• Acworth To Get Bigger