By: Jeremy Handel, Staff Writer
jeremy@thewoodrufftimes.com
In front of a packed house, the Woodruff City Council approved the second reading the city’s $10 million budget for the new fiscal year and passed the first reading of an annexation and zoning request that was the focus of the large crowd.
The Council unanimously approved the city’s budget, which is approximately $3 million higher than last year’s, reflecting expected increases in tax revenue. The budget, as presented by City Manager Lee Bailey at the first reading in May, focuses on adding resources to the city, including five new employees and equipment such as tractors and other vehicles. The budget is balanced and does not include any tax increases on citizens.
Under new business, the council heard and approved the first reading of a request to annex property along Highway 221 near Elijah Simmons Road and Mary Hanna Road and zone it as industrial. To accommodate the annexation request, the city also approved annexing a 10-foot strip of land at 13093 Highway 221 to make the larger property contiguous with the Woodruff city limits.
Several local residents near the site of the annexation request attended to express their opposition to the request; however, because it wasn’t a public hearing item, audience comments are not allowed. Council member Toni Sloan asked Assistant City Manager Brandon McMahan to clarify the process, explaining to those in attendance that they would have a chance to express their opinions prior to final approval.
While there are several rumors of what is intended for the property once it’s annexed, the property owner requesting the annexation, and no other entity, has submitted any plans to the city for a project. A document circulating in the community indicates several large warehouse buildings, but that has been identified as a speculative plan.
The item will be sent to the planning commission for consideration at their July 9 meeting, after which they will make a recommendation to the council regarding the requested zoning. The council is expected to take up the second reading, which would include a public hearing, at their July meeting. Citizens are also open to send their comments regarding the request to city officials in writing any time prior to the next meeting.
In other business, the council approved the second reading of an annexation and zoning request for 2.46 acres at 1035 Cross Anchor Road. The property was zoned C-2 limited commercial for future medical use.
Woodruff City Council meetings are held on the last Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. The meetings are open to the public, and the next meeting is scheduled for July 28.
