The city of Poplarville’s boardroom was filled with residents of the Highland subdivision at Tuesday’s Board of Aldermen meeting.
Highland homeowners attended the meeting to relay their concerns about an agenda item concerning the annexation of the subdivision.
Newly elected board member Glenn Bolin said he was responsible for placing the topic on the agenda.
“My thoughts are that annexation into the city of Poplarville would benefit both the homeowners and the city,” Bolin said. “The city’s fire department has a seven fire rating which saves the homeowner money on fire insurance.”
Bolin said that the roads in Highland are not the best and the city could pave those roads within the next two years.
“The city needs the money that annexation would bring,” Bolin said.
The majority of board members including Maggie Smith and Jason Pearson said they had no knowledge of the topic until they received their agendas.
One of the main concerns voiced by residents was a possible property tax increase. Currently, the county tax is $54 per mill and the city mill is also worth $54.
According to city clerk Jody Stuart, a feasibility study was conducted around 2008 regarding annexation of that area.
“The study concluded that it would be cost prohibitive to annex at that time,” Stuart said.
A Highland resident told the board that it was apparent that they were not ready to discuss the matter and answer the questions and requested that the board get studies done and distribute copies to homeowners before making a decision.
Read more about the alderman’s meeting in the next edition of the Item. The next alderman meeting will be on Nov. 4 at 5 p.m.