The Koochiching County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday reviewed Ranier’s Orderly Annexation Plan, and said commissioners would attend the city public information meeting set for 6:30 p.m. on May 4 at the Ranier Community Building.
Ranier Mayor Ed Oerichbauer, Trustee Dan Klocek and Kim Nuthak, city clerk, were present at the county meeting, along with attorneys Mary Frances Skala and Matthew Hanka via phone from the Duluth firm Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith and Frederick P.A.
According to Skala, annexation statutes call for the city and county to adopt a joint resolution. She said that a public hearing is not required under annexation law, however, an adoption of intent to annexation is required to be published at least ten days prior to the adoption of the resolution of intent to approve orderly annexation.
The May 4 meeting will allow community input on annexation and related issues of annexing the adjoining Jameson and French Additions.
Oerichbauer said the data is there to make the community presentation on property taxes, zoning, elections, census, fire protection, roads, business licenses and law enforcement. He said that two post annexation levy projections show there would be no significant change in property tax rates after expense adjustments other than an additional amount for fire protection.
Annexation must occur before June 30, 2009 for Ranier to claim local government aid under the current levy.
