2008 Annexation FAQ

The information provided below should be used as a guideline only; there may be exceptions to these answers. For complete information, call 373-CITY (2489) or the phone numbers listed below.

What is annexation?
Annexation is the process by which a city adds land to its jurisdiction. The City then extends its services, laws, and voting privileges to meet the needs of residents living in the annexed area.

Typically, annexation takes place in areas that are adjacent to a municipality, where the population has expanded to densities found in urban areas. People living in an urban setting generally need services and facilities beyond those provided by state and county governments. In addition, annexation encourages orderly growth and provides standardized services to those who live in the annexed area. It also promotes fairness by requiring that those who reap the benefits of living near a city and who use the services provided by a city share in the costs of operating the city.

Cities cannot remain strong or provide essential services unless their boundaries are periodically extended to include areas that are becoming urban.

Are there different types of annexations?
Yes. State law provides for two types of annexations: those initiated by a city government and those initiated by a petition from those who wish to be annexed. The 2008 annexation cycle for the City of Greensboro includes annexations initiated by the City and those initiated by property owners. However, the largest portion of the upcoming annexation is city-initiated. 

What is the procedure for annexation?
In a city-initiated annexation, the City adopts a Resolution of Intent, prepares a special report showing plans for extending and financing municipal services to the area, conducts a public informational meeting, and then holds a public hearing on the proposed annexation. If the municipal governing board then passes the annexation ordinance, it becomes effective from 70 to 400 days later. Schedule for proposed annexation

The US Supreme Court has upheld the rights of states to determine political subdivisions, such as city limits, within their borders. The North Carolina General Assembly has given cities the right to annex areas that are contiguous to the city and urban in character, saying that these areas should be subject to the regulations and services necessary for the “health, welfare, safety, convenience, and general prosperity of the entire urban area.” However, the General Statutes provide for the right to challenge the City’s annexation. Challenges must be filed within 60 days of the approval of the annexation ordinance.  

Why were the proposed areas selected for annexation?
In this annexation, the City focused on areas where City services were either already within or in close proximity to affected areas. Some of the services given special attention in this review were water and sewer, fire, police, solid waste, parks and libraries. 

What are the financial impacts of annexation?
Annexation-related costs and savings will 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 63.5 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.
• Many businesses will be required to pay local business privilege license taxes.
• If you are 65 or older, or if you are totally disabled and your income is $18,800 or less, you may apply through the federal Homestead Act to have your property tax reduced.

When are City taxes due?
If approved, the current proposed annexation would become effective on June 30, 2008. The City's fiscal year runs from July 1 through June 30. When annexation takes place on June 30, the following process occurs:

• January 2008: Property owners list their taxable real and personal property with the Guilford County Tax Office, which also handles all tax billing and collection for the City.
• June 30, 2008: Effective date of annexation. City services begin.
• July 2008: Property tax bills are mailed by the Guilford County Tax Office. The bill reflects the cost of services delivered to property owners from both Guilford County and the City of Greensboro.
• September 1, 2008: Property tax bills are due.
• January 5, 2009: Last date to pay property taxes without being charged interest.

When the City makes water and sewer available, do I have to connect to them, or can I stay on my well and septic system?
Once both water and sewer lines are available to your property, you have five years to connect to City water and sewer—unless the Guilford County Health Department determines that your well or septic system is unacceptable and requires earlier connection. If only a water line or a sewer line (not both) is available to your property, you are not required to connect. More information about water and sewer services.

I’ve heard that City residents pay a stormwater fee. What is that?
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.

Will I get City garbage collection right away?
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; beginning in January 2008, recyclables will be collected every other week.

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

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

What benefits do I get from being annexed?
There are many benefits of annexation, including:

• 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

What if I don’t want to be annexed?

For more information about annexation and how it will affect you, call 373-CITY (2489).