Annexation hearing set for Thursday

A public hearing on the city’s proposal to consider the annexation of property west of city limits is scheduled for Thursday night at 7 in Havre City Hall.

Members of the public are invited to share thoughts and concerns about the proposal with members of the Havre City Council, the mayor and other city officials.

Council members unanimously approved a resolution of intent at their Sept. 19 meeting to schedule the hearing for Oct 20. State law requires such a hearing take place before properties can be annexed.

The resolution also required the city clerk and finance director to mail notices of the hearing to owners and purchasers of the properties in question and advertise the meeting. The hearing will be followed by a 45-day period when affected property owners can submit written comments to the city expressing support or opposition to the annexation proposal.

In the last decade, the city has attempted to annex properties on the edge of its limits that receive city water and sewer services. The move would allow the city to collect taxes from those properties.

The attempts have run into resistance from affected property owners, in the form of complaints and lawsuits.