BOZEMAN — The Bozeman City Commission voted unanimously to amend policies for landowner-initiated annexation of property on Monday.
In recent years, the city has only annexed property that was petitioned and initiated by the landowner.
Landowners often petition for annexation because of sewer failure.
“These inholdings for the most part, there are some exceptions, but for the most part they are on septic and well water. And so the question is what will it cost to put in a water and sewage line?” said Bozeman Deputy Mayor Chris Mehl.
Currently, there are over 30 inholdings scattered throughout Bozeman.
The City Commission says there are some important reasons for annexation including public health and safety, tax fairness, and efficiency of service.
But not everybody is expected to be on board with the idea for lots of reasons.
“The conversation tonight suggests to me that the landowners still feel a little bit at the whims of whatever the commission happens to be at the time,” said Glen Chamberlain, resident of Bozeman living on unincorporated land in the area.
People worry about the additional costs of being annexed by the city — especially since that means their taxes will go up.
Residents of annexed property could pay impact fees that include the costs of hooking up to the city’s water hookup, sewer, and sidewalks if required by the city.
The Bozeman City Commission is still in the early phases of addressing annexation. They plan to dive further into the issue in early 2020.
