Frequently Asked Questions – 2011 City-Initiated Annexation

Q: What are the financial impacts of annexation?
A: Annexation-related costs and savings vary among property owners, but the following information should apply to most people:

• All annexed property owners will pay City property taxes and will continue to pay general County property taxes. The current City tax rate is 63.25 cents per $100 of property valuation.
• Annexed property owners will no longer pay the fire district portion of County property tax.
• City property taxes are deductible on federal and state tax forms for those homeowners who itemize deductions.
• If you are already receiving City water and sewer services, the rate will be reduced by one-half after you are annexed.
• Residents in single-family homes receive trash, recycling, yard waste, bulk trash, and appliance pick-up from the City. The cost of these services is included in residential property tax bills.
• If applicable, City vehicle taxes also will be due.
• If you are 65 or older, or if you are totally disabled and your income is $27,100 or less, you may apply through the federal Homestead Act to have your property tax reduced.

Q: When will water and/or sewer be installed?
A: For City-initiated annexations, if you file a petition within five days of the required Public Hearing the City will install these lines within two years of the effective date of the annexation.

Q: I have heard that City residents pay a stormwater fee. What is that?
A: The City charges a quarterly stormwater management fee based on the amount of impervious (built-upon) area on your property. Higher levels of impervious area create greater amounts of stormwater runoff that the City is required to manage. This fee is used to improve water quality, manage public drainage infrastructure, minimize flood hazards, and educate the public about the importance of managing stormwater.

Q: Will my house get City garbage collection right away?
A: Yes. Residential properties will receive automated trash and recycling collection service. Trash and recycling containers will be delivered along with a letter and brochure explaining when service will begin, which day of the week it will take place, and the cost. This information will be delivered automatically – you do not need to request this service. Garbage is collected weekly; recyclables will be collected every other week.

Q: What is the Household Hazardous Waste fee?
A: There is a monthly Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) fee that is based on the size of your water meter and is included in your water bill. For most single-family homes, the fee is 40 cents per month. The HHW Center is located at 2750 Patterson St. Greensboro and Guilford County residents may drop off any materials that are corrosive, reactive, ignitable or toxic, as well as electronic waste items, such as computers, TVs, and cell phones.

Q: Will fire hydrants be installed?
A: If water and sewer lines are installed to your area, fire hydrants will also be installed.

Q: Will annexation change my children’s school district?
A: No. The Guilford County School Board determines attendance zones. Annexation will not change the school district in which you are located.

Q: If my mailing address does not have “Greensboro” in it, will annexation change my mailing address?
A: No. For example, if a property has a “McLeansville” mailing address, it will retain that mailing address after annexation. The zip code will stay the same.

Q: What benefits do I get from being annexed?
A: The benefits of annexation include:

• Improved police and fire protection services.
• Improved street maintenance services for public streets.
• The opportunity to fully participate in the Greensboro community, including voting in City elections.
• Recycling, yard waste, bulk trash, and appliance pickup, along with use of the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center.
• Much lower water and sewer rates for properties using those City services. Read more.

You can also call 336-373-CITY (2489) to speak with a City Services Representative who can answer your questions and for more information about annexation and how it affects you.