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Altoona council approves 80/20 annexation of about 960 acres with 10-year city tax abatement
Summary
The Altoona City Council on Oct. 6 approved an 80/20 annexation of roughly 960 acres east of the city boundary, offering free city water hookups and sanitary sewer access when available and a 10-year abatement on the city portion of property taxes; a petition opposing the annexation was filed and entered into the record.
The Altoona City Council on Oct. 6 adopted a resolution approving an 80/20 annexation of approximately 960 acres located east of the city’s existing limits.
Community Development Director John Shaw told the council the annexation follows state code provisions allowing an ‘‘80/20’’ process in which at least 80 percent of the land area is petitioned voluntarily and up to 20 percent may be annexed involuntarily to eliminate boundary islands or square up lines. Shaw said the city will offer affected property owners free connections to city water and access to sanitary sewer when those services become available, and that the city portion of property taxes will be abated for a ten-year period.
Several nearby property owners spoke during the public hearing. Gene Larson outlined concerns about the timing of notifications to property owners and interactions with city staff. John Cosner submitted a petition opposing the annexation and asked that it be entered into the public record; City Administrator Randy Pierce confirmed receipt of the petition. Patrick Nigon said he hopes annexation will allow residents to continue their lifestyles and asked about septic systems and sanitary-sewer hookups.
Shaw and other staff clarified that existing lawful uses regulated by the county are ‘‘grandfathered’’ at the time of annexation and that sanitary-sewer hookup timing depends on when municipal sewer becomes available. Police Chief Greg Stallman said he would check applicable hunting regulations where raised by a resident.
After the hearing closed at 6:49 p.m., the council approved the annexation resolution by roll call (Boka, Duer, Evans, Mertz and Stewart voting yes). Mayor O’Connor was absent.
The decision expands Altoona’s growth boundary and triggers the city’s stated offer of utility hookups and a decade-long abatement on the city portion of property taxes. Opposing residents filed a petition that will remain part of the municipal record.
