Explanation
BACKGROUND: A portion of Norwich Township was annexed to Columbus in 2003 (Ord. 0628-2003) using the Expedited Type Two annexation petition process. This area is part of the Hayden Run Corridor outlined in the City's Pay as We Grow and Grow with a Plan program. The Expedited Type Two process, outlined in the Ohio Revised Code, does not generally allow municipalities to conform the boundaries of newly annexed territory. As a consequence, annexed lands remain in the township even though they have been annexed by the City - thereby having a "dual" status with respect to such things as tax obligations and elections. An exception to the boundary conformance prohibition is permitted (ORC 709.023(H)) if an annexation agreement between the municipality and township addresses the matter.
Residents of the area in question reside within both the City and the Township, thus paying taxes to both jurisdictions. Prior conversations between the City and Washington Township led to an agreement to conform boundaries for their portion of the Hayden Run Corridor, thereby eliminating their "dual" status areas and the associated tax implications. Columbus therefore offered to Norwich Township the opportunity to do the same for its adjacent Hayden Run property. Norwich Township Trustees decided to support conformance of this area, with the primary difference being that the agreement and conformance are limited to the area annexed through ordinance 0628-2003. The agreement will not apply to other previous annexations or to future annexations.
An annexation agreement has been drafted by both parties. This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to enter into an Annexation Agreement with the Norwich Township Trustees. This legislation further authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to submit a petition to the Board of Franklin County Commissioners to undertake boundary conformance for the portion of Norwich Townsh...
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