SCC included in Webster's proposed annextion

By Rose Hooper

"We've talked about it enough. Let's get on with it," board member Skip Englebright said during the Feb. 8 meeting.

The purpose of the annexation, said Bedford, is "to preserve the essence of Webster."

The largest section slated for annexation includes eight lots totaling 86 acres along, or contiguous to property along, Highway 116. Southwestern Community College lies within the area, although the National Guard Armory does not, Bryson said.

The property in question meets the two state-mandated tests. First, at least 60 percent of all lots or tracts must be developed for residential, commercial, industrial, institutional or governmental purposes.

"The number of lots we have that will be used for urban purposes is 87 percent, which well exceeds the 60 percent requirement," Bedford said.

The second test requires that 60 percent of the total acreage consist of lots and tracts 3 acres or less in size.

"All of our lots are 3 acres or less, thus we're 100 percent on this one," Bedford said. The second area under consideration for annexation includes one lot, approximately 1.73 acres, which also meets both tests.

The anticipated revenues from ad valorem taxes collected from the proposed area has been determined by applying the town's 4-cent tax per $100 assessed valuation. The total annual revenues for the annexation are projected to be $87.50 for the first area and $52.32 for the second.

The annexation proposal will be presented for adoption at the board's March meeting, which will be followed by a public hearing on the issue. A map of the proposed area is being prepared, and a rough draft is available from either Bedford or Bryson.

In other business, Mayor Steve Gray said he and several other residents have asked the N.C. Highway Patrol to patrol N.C. 116 and River Road because of the large amount of speeders. "We've noticed the extra officers on duty and seen them stopping speeders. We really appreciate their presence and efforts," said Gray, who said he will write a letter of appreciation to the Highway Patrol office.

The town needs to proceed with enforcing its ordinance requiring owners to screen, cover or landscape around their outside fuel tanks, Englebright said.

"If we address this issue, we need to address all zoning issues, like junk cars," board member Jean Davenport said. "We can't be selective about which ordinances to enforce."

Bedford agreed and said she would take the issue to the town's planning board. Meanwhile, Gray charged board members with thinking about solutions to present at the March board meeting.

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