By Peter Biello
Wilmington, NC – The Brunswick County Town of Oak Island will hold a public hearing tonight on the proposal to annex an area called Oakwood Glen.
This area and an area around Long Beach Road are both slated for annexation.
For residents in those territories, joining the town would mean paying town taxes. It also means they'd receive benefits Oak Island citizens are entitled to, such as police, fire and EMS services.
For Gayl Penny, a renter living near Long Beach Road, annexation also means a discount at the Oak Island gym.
"Instead of paying $30 for the recreation department, I'll only pay $10 a month, which in today's economy is a big deal."
Resident Ronnie Hauser lives near Long Beach Road. He says he doesn't want the taxes that come with Oak Island citizenship.
"All they're wanting is more money to fill their coffers," he says.
The meeting starts at six tonight at the Oak Island Recreation Center.
Do you have insight or expertise on this topic? Please e-mail us, we'd like to hear from you. news@whqr.org.