SYRACUSE - Syracuse has no formal plans for annexation at this time, town manager Jeff Noffsinger said at the Syracuse Town Council meeting Tuesday.

And the residents of Fox Run, Country Cove and the surrounding area who were present at the meeting said they don't want to be annexed.

Noffsinger said there is a proposed development near Fox Run and a public meeting was held on the matter previously. While the town has no plans of annexation, Noffsinger said, the town is working on a comprehensive plan that includes growth to the southwest of town.

He explained the various types of annexation - voluntary versus forced - and the procedure that would be required for an annexation. "The town hasn't taken any steps to do that at this point in time," said Noffsinger.

There are provisions for appeal of the annexation should the town seek to annex an area. The town would not have to provide sewer and water to an annexed area immediately; they can delay it.

With the annexation, the affected property owners would see a 70 percent increase in their property taxes, but Noffsinger said that can be delayed. "It's not right out of the gate."

Syracuse is not here to force the issue down the residents' throats, Noffsinger said, they are just seeking input for future decisions. It's not about the community making money but about making the community better.

Larry Siegel, council member, said since the town has no plans to annex Fox Run, "Why are we doing this now?"

Noffsinger said he wanted to provide an opportunity for feedback on what the residents are feeling. He's been receiving mixed reactions.

Syracuse-Webster Road resident Karen Fuller said she's not in either subdivision. She asked if the annexation will be forced down their throats or done democratically. "Do we have to be included in this?"

Council president Cassie Cowan said they are just asking when and if this needs to be done. It could happen three or 10 years down the road.

Noffsinger said the town will see growth in that area.

"I live in Fox Run," said Ted Monesmith. "I vote no."

Floyd Knafel said probably 90 percent of the residents don't want any part of the annexation because they are fine with where they are.

Another resident said if the town wants a fight over the annexation, they got one. Cowan said she didn't think a fight was necessary. Options were just being looked at and all opinions need to be heard.

"I haven't talked to anyone who's for it," said one resident.

Cowan said the town doesn't want to force it down anyone's throats. "I think it will be a natural growth, I think it will happen, but I think you people will decide when it happens."

In other business, the council:

• Approved paying $2,100 to Wightman Petrie Inc. for a utility study of the proposed development planned for the southwest part of Syracuse.

The council also approved to hire the company on an as-needed basis to become the town's engineer.

• Approved Ben Plickard to fill a vacancy on the Syracuse Board of Zoning Appeals. Council president Cassie Cowan appointed Dan List to fill the other vacancy on the BZA.

• Approved an ordinance establishing rules and regulations for the repair or elimination of unfit and/or unsafe housing conditions in Syracuse.

Members of the Syracuse Town Council are president Cassie Cowan, Paul Stoelting, Bill Musser, Larry Siegel and Brian Woody. They meet at 7 p.m. in the town hall on the third Tuesday of every month. [[In-content Ad]]