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Stedman board directs attorney to draft satellite-annexation ordinance after sewer-service warning
Summary
The Stedman Board of Commissioners asked the town attorney to draft an ordinance governing voluntary noncontiguous (satellite) annexations after staff and the attorney warned that annexed properties would require municipal services and that failed septic systems could obligate the town to extend sewer lines.
The Stedman Board of Commissioners on March 5 directed Town Attorney Donald Hudson to draft an ordinance on voluntary noncontiguous (satellite) annexations and submit it to the UNC School of Government for review.
The action followed discussion of an annexation application for an Autry Road property (PIN 1405081491000). Hudson advised the board that "even with a satellite annexation, all municipal services must be provided," and that a waiver limiting service obligations would not be enforceable. He warned the board that if future on-site septic systems failed, the town could be responsible for extending sewer service to those properties.
Commissioner Lee moved that the attorney prepare an ordinance and forward it to the UNC School of Government for review; Commissioner Cain seconded the motion and the board voted unanimously to approve the referral. The board did not adopt a policy at the meeting that would limit sewer-service obligations for satellite annexations.
The discussion noted that water service is available at the Autry Road parcel but the nearest sewer line is over one mile away. The attorney and commissioners raised the town's potential long-term financial and infrastructure obligations if septic systems fail on annexed lots, and discussed whether existing town policy or ordinances that limit sewer provision in some circumstances might apply.
Next steps: the attorney will draft language for a satellite-annexation ordinance and send it to the UNC School of Government for review. Any proposed ordinance will return to the board for public notice, review, and potential action.
