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Residents urge council to pause proposed annexation, cite steep hookup costs and incomplete study
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Summary
Two residents told the Brainerd City Council the proposed annexation near Carr Drive and River Arches would double property taxes and saddle homeowners with large, possibly six‑figure, water and sewer hookup costs; they urged site visits and cost estimates before the council or county approves annexation.
Two residents used the council’s public forum on March 16 to press the Brainerd City Council to pause a proposed annexation covering properties near Carr Drive and River Arches.
Richard Schmidt, who said he lives at 9567 Carr Drive, told the council he and his wife had bought their four‑acre property because it was outside city limits and said annexation would double their taxes and add unknown water and sewer hookup costs. "With the considerable changes in elevation and limited roadway access, it is apparent the cost of installation in this area would be substantial," Schmidt said, and he asked council members to tour the properties before moving forward. He also requested clarification about a comment by Community Development Director James Kramvik at a March 2 meeting regarding a failed septic system at the Bruce Coonfield residence.
Eric Kukula, who said he lives at 15137 Riverside Drive, described his property as an "island" in the unorganized territory and told the council he would see no service benefit from annexation while paying city taxes. Kukula said he lacks road access and expects sewer and water connection costs could run into six figures. "You're taking money out of my pocket," he told the council, and he said he would pursue legal options if the county approves annexation without adequate study.
Council president noted this was public comment and not a question‑and‑answer session; multiple speakers urged the council to ensure cost estimates and site reviews are completed before any annexation is finalized. The residents framed their objections around potential tax increases, the technical difficulty and cost of extending utilities given elevation and access constraints, and the absence of a clear cost projection from city staff.
The public forum closed at 7:39 p.m.; the annexation item also was addressed elsewhere in recent council meetings and will move through the council/county process before a formal decision. The council did not take immediate action or vote on annexation during this meeting.
