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Bradley County mayor says interlocal deal removes referendum annexation, but fire and school financing remain unresolved
Summary
Commissioners heard a presentation and extended discussion about a proposed urban growth boundary and interlocal annexation agreement that would remove referendum annexation outside the boundary and require cities to assume roads when they annex; questions about fire-tax revenue loss and school boundaries were left for future interlocal talks.
The Bradley County mayor summarized the growth-policy committee's recommendation and told commissioners the interlocal agreement would remove referendum annexation outside the boundary and require cities to accept annexed roads. "The referendum annexation was a big thing in my opinion," the mayor said, describing the agreement as a major concession that prevents future court fights.
Commissioners pressed the mayor on service and fiscal impacts. Several members asked how fire and school services would be handled after annexation; the mayor said cities assume responsibility for police and fire immediately upon annexation but acknowledged annexation reduces county fire-tax revenue and that school reassignments are not resolved by the growth boundary. Dr. Linda Cash, the county director of schools, told the commission she supported the negotiated concessions and recommended negotiating an interlocal agreement with both fire departments to address response and reimbursement concerns. The item is scheduled for the April 7 voting session after the map and agreement are distributed to commissioners by email.
