Huntertown eyes area to annex
Dave Gong | The Journal Gazette
A portion of Allen County east of Indiana 3, bound by Hathaway Road to the north and Carroll Road to the south, could become part of Huntertown next year.
“The recent construction of new water and sewer processing plants have enabled the town to better serve the community,” a letter sent last week to affected residents said. “These capital improvements have attracted residential growth and spurred investments in the community. Working together as residents of the town, we can continue to build on the growth and investments Huntertown is experiencing.”
The annexation area, which affects about 500 homes, is known as The Communities at Talon's Reach. All of the affected homes currently use Huntertown water, sewer and trash services, said Brandon Seifert, Huntertown Town Council president.
“They've had utilities and have essentially been part of Huntertown since the beginning,” Seifert said. “Now, they'll be part of the corporate limits (of Huntertown).”
Affected residents will also be able to participate in Town Council elections or run for office themselves, Seifert added.
Seifert said residents have been calling with questions ever since receiving the July 3 letter. Notably, he said, are questions related to addresses and whether property taxes will still support Northwest Allen County Schools. Addresses will not change and taxes will still support NACS, he said.
More information will be available for residents at public meetings scheduled throughout August at Huntertown Town Hall, 15617 Lima Road. Anyone who is unable to attend a meeting should email Town Manager Beth Shellman at townmanager@huntertown.in.gov or call 260-338-2707.
After the public hearings are complete, the annexation ordinance will be introduced and the fiscal plan will be adopted during the Aug. 19 Town Council meeting. After notifying the public of possible remonstrance petitions and another public hearing on Oct. 21, the Town Council is expected to vote to adopt the annexation ordinance Dec. 2.
A remonstrance period, in which those opposed to the annexation can file petitions to block the process, will occur from Dec. 5 to Feb. 5. The annexation is expected to take effect on March 4, 2020.
