Local News
AP starts Lacey Hills annexation process
Marc Valero | Highlands Today
Published: November 16, 2012
AVON PARK - The Avon Park City Council took the first step recently toward annexing the Lacey Hills area, but the affected residents will have a say on the decision whether to stay in unincorporated Highlands County or become part of the City of Avon Park.Published: November 16, 2012
City Manager Julian Deleon noted on Tuesday's council meeting agenda: "As we continue to expand the city's boundaries, we need to remain contiguous and compact."
Staff is recommending for the city council to consider the voluntary annexation of Lacey Hills by using the referendum process allowed in Florida statutes, Deleon stated. This annexation would be decided strictly by the residents of Lacey Hills through an annexation election referendum process.
Council approved the first step in the annexation process, which requires the city to file an annexation report with the Highlands County Board of County Commissioners for a 15-day period.
The area considered for annexation is located south of Earnest E. Sims Street, north of Garrett Road, east of South Lake Avenue and west of Cummins Avenue.
The approximately 43 acres has 161 parcels of land, including 92 improved properties.
The city provides water and sanitary utility service to the area, according to a staff report.
If annexed, the area would increase the city's revenue from property taxes by $5,761 per year, the report notes. City garbage collection revenues for the area are estimated at $19,656 and the city would receive about $15,051 annually from fire assessments.
The area is not projected to change from its existing residential character, according to the report.
mvalero@highlandstoday.com (863) 386-5826