Community Meeting to Discuss Annexation
9/14/2023
An informational community meeting on annexation was held at the Derrick Community Center on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at 7 pm by the Little Mountain Town Council. Present for the meeting were Mayor Jana Jayroe, Council Members David Bowers, Marty Frick, and Laura McLeod. Also present was Newberry County Councilman, Karl Sease and approximately ninety (90) members of the community.
Mayor Jayroe opened the meeting at 7 pm, welcomed those in attendance and introduced members of the town council. Jayroe gave an overview of annexation and briefly discussed the benefits and reasons for annexation. She stated that there were many misconceptions about annexation and the purpose of the meeting was to provide information and to receive feedback from the community. The Town Council would like to develop a plan for the town to include where residential and commercial development should be located. Jayroe acknowledged that most of the community wanted to maintain the village atmosphere of Little Mountain but without a plan the village atmosphere would be gone. Jayroe said that annexation was the way to facilitate growth in a positive way for the town and surrounding community. Jayroe also stated that annexation was voluntary and properties that are annexed are brought in “just as you are” or “grandfathered.”
Jayroe displayed a map of the area with the incorporated town limits highlighted. It was also stated that a map of the town limits can be seen on the Newberry County GIS map. She referred to the handout provided at the meeting and reviewed the three methods to annex property which include 100% and 75% freeholder petition, and 25% elector petition and election method.
Newberry County Councilman, Karl Sease addressed the community members. Sease explained that the county council reviews many county zoning requests related to residential growth and the county is currently working on a ten (10) year plan. Mr. Sease stated that when the county council reviews these requests, he is only one vote and therefore being a part of the town would provide citizens with more protection. Mayor Jayroe stated that while she has no knowledge of residential development in the area at this time, the time to plan for growth is now. She agreed with Sease that being a part of the town would steer growth in a positive direction. Both Sease and Jayroe encouraged members of the community to get involved by participating on county boards.
Questions from those in attendance and responses included:
- What would the taxes be in the town? Mayor Jayroe stated that town taxes were minimal, and she would be happy to calculate the taxes for property owners on an individual basis since this would vary based on value.
- Is there an additional 4% added to your utility bill if you were in the town? While the town receives a franchise fee from Dominion Energy, Jayroe was not aware of any additional charge to town residents.
- Will you have to switch utility companies if you come into town? No
- Is hunting and shooting a firearm allowed in town? The Town of Little Mountain does not permit hunting and shooting of firearms within town limits.
- What services are provided? The town is looking into trash collection. The town does not operate water, sewer, or utilities. Currently streetlights are the only service provided.
- Are mobile homes allowed in town? Any existing mobile homes would be grandfathered.
- Can you burn yard debris in the town? Yes
- Are farm animals allowed in the town? Yes, farm animals are allowed in the town. However, commercial and/or industrial farming would not be allowed.
- If land is transferred into another name, is it still grandfathered? This is a legal question that would have to be addressed by someone other than the council.
- How was information about the meeting distributed? Flyers for the meeting were placed in local businesses, posted to the town website and message board as well as on social media. People in attendance were encouraged to visit the website and sign up for the weekly electronic newsletter.
- Do businesses in town have to have a business license? Yes
Additional concerns included traffic and development at the I-26 interchange. The council constantly addresses traffic safety and the group agreed that traffic issues were not necessarily coming from the town itself, but rather the interstate and the surrounding areas.
The town’s current website is being redeveloped and the new website will include zoning information to assist citizens.
Some of those in attendance thanked the council for providing the information and the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback.
Mayor Jayroe again thanked everyone for their attendance and closed the meeting.
Respectfully submitted by:
Cindy Farr
TOLM Town Clerk
