Live Video Report: Linton City Council talks about proposed annexation; can not be enacted until 2010

ANNEXATION TALK -- Linton Mayor Tom Jones, at right, discusses the proposed annexation plan with Grant Township Trustee Rick Graves prior to Monday night's Linton City Council meeting. (Greene County Daily World/Nick Schneider) [Order this photo]

Grant Township Trustee Rick Graves explained, "I have lots of questions. I understand the general concept... but the details are going to be where the devil is."

Graves was also curious as to what section of Grant Township would be affected.

Linton's Mayor Tom Jones replied that the legal description is not yet complete, but then offered a basic description-- which put the Indiana Railroad as the south boundary, section 18-- located north of the Greene County General Hospital as the north boundary and Coleman Farm as the east boundary.

The legal boundaries should be prepared by next month's meeting, Jones added.

"We think it's the right thing to do," Jones said.

To hear video comments from Mayor Jones on the annexation plan click on the arrow below: (Video by Nick Schneider, Assistant Editor)

Graves also explained that he is not against economic development and is willing to work with the council and mayor.

"Until you know exactly what you are going to do I don't have the questions to ask," Graves added, noting he'll be back next month.

Another concern brought up during the meeting was the timeline of the proposed project.

"We're still in the infancy stages...," Jones said. "After we get the legal description of the area then letters will be sent out to those living in the area."

Questions and concerns will be answered and then the project will move forward with the financial plan, he noted.

Even if all goes well the annexation cannot be legal until Jan. 2, 2010, Jones said.

"At that point in time (of annexation), we have three years to provide services to the area," he added.

Another concerned local asked if city utilities were capable of the additional services that the annexation would require.

Jones quickly replied, "Yes."

Grant Township resident, Heather Stone, voiced her concern over a possible change in school districts.

"School districts are set forth by school corporations and the state," Jones explained. "WRV has its own boundaries."

Even after annexation, the area would still be in the White River Valley School District, he noted. The power to change that is held with the school boards.

Another concerned resident reminded the mayor and council to not forget Linton.

Linton still needs a lot, the local said.

Jones replied that he is well aware of the needs of Linton but that it will not grow without jobs.

Wrapping the discussion up, Jones said, "It's time to start thinking positive...It's easy to think negatively. It's the easy way out. To think positive and be proactive is the way to go."

If all goes as planned the annexation will form a TIF (Tax Increment Financing) district, Jones noted last month.

During December's monthly meeting, the council also heard a proposal for an assisted living area to be constructed at State Road 54 and Lone Tree Road-- near the Super Walmart and caddy corner from the Greene County General Hospital.

Upon opening the facility's doors, at least 30 employees would be needed. But, after the facility reaches full capacity a total of 40 to 60 employees would be needed.

A hotel may also be constructed on State Road 54 at the old drive-in theater site-- which is owned by Ed Guthrie.