Goolsby files involuntary annexation bill

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — Legislation proposed in the North Carolina House and Senate would put a moratorium on involuntary annexations in the state.

If passed, a ban could further delay the city of Wilmington’s annexation of 950 acres, more than 3,300 residents and numerous businesses in the Monkey Junction area.

The legislation was filed to prevent involuntary annexations until July 1, 2012, as lawmakers work on an annexation reform bill. Senator Thom Goolsby is a primary sponsor of similar legislation filed in the Senate Wednesday.

“My idea of it and we will work it out over the next several months is to allow the people in the to-be incorporated area to vote and to determine on their own whether they want to be incorporated,” said Goolsby. “There’s plenty of folks in North Carolina that do want to go in cities, but I think when you force people against their will that’s taxation without representation.”

The moratorium bill is a precursor to the annexation reform bills anticipated in the coming weeks.