Dallas board unanimously annexes 2.64 acres at 1502 Lower Dallas Highway

The Town of Dallas Board of Aldermen voted unanimously on April 9 to annex three contiguous parcels totaling 2.64 acres at 1502 Lower Dallas Highway after a public hearing and staff presentation.

Community Services Director David Kahler told the board the parcels form an unincorporated island encircled by property already inside the town and that the same development group (The MED Group, LLC) owns surrounding parcels, including a recently developed Dollar General and the planned Long Creek Apartments. Kahler said annexation would allow the town to apply consistent B-1 (Neighborhood Business) zoning and retain local control over future development.

Kahler provided fiscal details the board considered: the parcels’ combined assessed value is $305,026; at the town’s current tax rate (.38) the parcels would generate $1,150.09 in annual property taxes if left undeveloped. He said the town expects additional sales, use and utility revenues if the properties are developed. Kahler also noted a payment obligation to the Spencer Mountain Volunteer Fire Department for lost tax revenue of $131.53 annually through November 2017 and $57.87 annually through November 2027 once annexed.

After the hearing Alderman Huggins moved to approve the annexation; Alderman Withers seconded and the motion carried unanimously. The board’s vote formally incorporates the parcels into the town and enables town staff to apply town zoning and permitting to future development on the sites.

The board recorded the approval during its April 9 meeting; no further legislative steps were recorded in the minutes.