Creates provisions relating to annexation by certain charter cities
The bill modifies existing statutory frameworks by clarifying the annexation process and addressing financial implications for fire protection districts. Under the new law, once annexation occurs, the fire protection district may continue collecting taxes on the annexed properties until the end of the calendar year. Starting January 1 of the following year, they will no longer collect taxes on the annexed properties but can still collect delinquent taxes from previous years. Cities are mandated to remit fees to the fire district that correlate with the amount of tax levied during the annul year of annexation, gradually reducing these payments over four years.
Senate Bill 979 introduces changes regarding the annexation procedures for certain charter cities in Missouri. Specifically, the bill allows home rule cities with a population between 160,000 and 200,000 located in a first-class county to annex areas within six miles of their city limits. This process requires a notarized petition from the record owners of all property in the proposed annexation area, granting these cities more power to expand their jurisdictions.
Notable points of contention surrounding SB 979 involve the balance of power between state and local governance. Proponents argue that it empowers local governments to manage growth and respond to community needs, while opponents may view it as an overreach, disrupting established community-resource relationships and affecting local fire protection services. The bill's provision to allow cities to annex without stringent verification methods for petitions could also raise concerns regarding the legitimacy of annexation claims, emphasizing a need for greater scrutiny in the annexation process.