The state House has voted to make it much more difficult for cities to expand by annexing land if property owners object. And, as WHQR’s Rachel Lewis Hilburn reports, another House-approved bill would cancel contentious annexations by nine towns and cities. The House voted 70-44 to allow areas being annexed to stop the municipal expansion with a referendum requiring a majority vote. The split over the bill suggests that it could be difficult for supporters of the measure to override a veto if Governor Beverly Perdue steps in.
The House also approved a measure that would block or reverse annexations by nine municipalities – including Wilmington’s annexation of the Monkey Junction area. That bill could not be blocked by a Perdue veto because it involves local issues. Final legislative votes for both bills are expected next week.
