Canton resident urges city to hold dedicated public meeting on proposed annexation

Doug McKinney of Canton told the City Commission he was speaking for himself, his wife and many neighbors and business owners when he asked the commission to hold a dedicated in-person public meeting about a proposed annexation.

"We are here to present concerns of many of my neighbors, both families and businesses, regarding the proposed plan to annex our area into the city limits," McKinney said, asking the commission to provide a clear, early forum for questions rather than leaving residents to rely on "rumors or incomplete information." He listed three specific areas residents want addressed: fiscal impact (a breakdown of new taxes versus service benefits); infrastructure (how the city will manage roads, water and sewage); and governance (which city regulations will apply to properties currently outside city limits).

McKinney told the commission the community "deserve[s] to know what a move into the city limits means for our homes, family, and businesses," and formally requested the commission "hold a dedicated in person public meeting specifically for the residents and businesses of the affected areas for collaboration and a transparent dialogue."

City staff did not provide a substantive response at the podium during public comment, saying they were not "written and ready" to reply immediately; the request remains before the commission. McKinney concluded by asking for a prompt reply and said residents would await the commission's response about scheduling.

Next steps: The comment was recorded during the meeting's public-comment period. The commission did not set a date during the session; staff indicated they would follow up after reviewing the request.