PIEDMONT, S.D. – Some citizens in Piedmont shared their concerns with the Piedmont Board of Trustees this week on proposed annexation.
The board has tweaked the proposed annexation boundaries a bit in reaction to concerns, however, some residents say they still are not sure what they will gain.
The board raised concerns about potential developments on land in the Piedmont Valley and said annexation is a way to control growth.
Philip Anderson, president of the board, cited South Dakota Supreme Court case Smith V. City of Rapid City in his defense of the annexation proposal.
“The people and property owners of an area proposed for annexation have neither the moral nor the legal right to stand aloof from the incorporating committee they are de facto part, enjoying most of the benefits,” Anderson said. “People and businesses located just outside of a city often enjoy many of the services of a municipality without providing tax monies to support their costs.”
Furthermore, water and fire services are benefits for new residents, but many are already on private wells and septic systems.
Tyson Waddell owns an apartment building in the annexation plot. He struggled to see what new residents stand to gain.
“Where is the benefit for us that are being annexed?” Waddell asked. “I bet you I come through Piedmont every day, every morning. I spend money just like they do, I spend a ton of time in this area. That’s not going to change whether or not I’m annexed.”
The board ended up passing it’s revised annexation claim. It includes multiple homes and businesses.
