Explanation
BACKGROUND: Portions of Plain Township were annexed to Columbus in 2009 using the Type One annexation petition process. This process, outlined in the Ohio Revised Code (ORC 709.021 & ORC 709.022), does not generally allow municipalities to conform the boundaries of the 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. The City of Columbus, Village of New Albany, and Plain Township entered into an annexation agreement in early 2008 (authorized by ordinance 2262-2006). The agreement stipulates that pursuant to the Ohio Revised Code (ORC 503), Columbus shall conform the boundaries of any annexed township lands within twelve (12) months following the City's acceptance. The subject area, depicted on an attachment A "City Growth Zone West," generally includes all territory south of Walnut Street in Plain Township that is currently in Columbus or becomes part of Columbus through annexation. The City recently accepted two annexations, totaling + twelve (12) acres (Ordinance #'s 1419-2009 and 1718-2009) filed using the Type One annexation process. Under the terms of the agreement, the boundaries of these sites must be conformed.
Boundary conformance to Columbus involves the extension of Montgomery Township's boundaries to incorporate the subject areas. This ordinance seeks authorization for the Director of Development to submit a petition to the Board of Franklin County Commissioners to undertake this process for those areas annexed during 2009 under the 2008 annexation agreement. The petition will be filed in accordance with Section 503.07 of the Ohio Revised Code.
FISCAL IMPACT: No funding is required fo...
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