Columbia’s annexation trial came to an end Wednesday; however, no ruling was announced yet. Once the attorney for the city’s annexation proposals submits a brief for Special Retired Chancellor William Singletary to review, the judge will render his decision based upon everything presented at the trial and the brief.
On Wednesday, the final witness to take the stand was Michael Slaughter, who conducted the annexation study for the city and testified on what he observed regarding the need for annexation. One of the items of concern, Slaughter said, is the lack of building, zoning and other ordinances in the county.
Stressing the need for proper building, zoning and other ordinances, Slaughter presented pictures he had taken throughout the proposed areas. In one picture, he showed where three mobile homes were attached to one septic tank. He said that situation happened more than once. He showed a picture of a home located in proposed annex area two, that did not have a septic tank or a connection to a sewer system, but had two lines extended from the house, one for water drainage and the other for raw sewerage to exit into the back of the property. Both of these, Slaughter said, are serious health hazards.
However, because there are no ordinances or regulations in the county, there is no option to fix the health hazards.
Slaughter also testified about seeing a house with a family living inside with no siding and a business that had done some outside electrical work and left cut wires hanging, both of which present fire hazards.
During the discussion of the growth path, Slaughter said the city provides water to 90 of the 429 homes in the proposed annexed areas. Regarding the sewer services, 81 homes are already connected. He said the services already being established in some homes and businesses show a path of growth.
Slaughter provided other photographs showing why he thought there was sufficient evidence for a growth path for annexation. He presented pictures of the Columbia Water Park, which is already inside the city limits. He testified that something as nice as the water park is an excellent sign showing the potential path for growth because that can be utilized to help draw people to the area.
“It already attracts a number of visitors,” Slaughter said.
Just outside the city limits in the proposed annexed area one, Slaughter discussed the pictures taken of Dean Griner Baseball Complex. He said when there are gatherings, such as for games, municipal services are very important. Proposed area one already receives water services, and fire water services with fire hydrants installed near Dean Griner Drive. Slaughter said the water tower on Mississippi 35 North and the baseball complex represented a path for growth.
Slaughter next discussed the Columbia Expo Center and described it as a nice facility that also shows a potential path for growth. He testified about the signs of growth with the new Dollar General store on U.S. 98 and Columbia Academy. Finally, he presented photographs of businesses on Columbia Purvis Road.
Slaughter said all of those things, in his opinion, represented a reasonable path of growth.
He also presented photos showing the need for municipal services in the proposed areas that displayed debris that needed to be removed, as well as a couch that someone had attached a sign to asking for it to be taken away.
Once Slaughter finished his testimony, the city rested its case. After the judge reviews the annexation brief, he will render his decision.
If the annexation is approved, Mayor Justin McKenzie said coverage of police and fire protection and the beginning of the five years to install all the necessary changes for water and sewer would begin 10 days after the judgment.
“The city prepared and presented a good case, I believed. At this point, it is up to the judge to make the decision. A lot of work and thought went into what we believed was best for Columbia and I hope the judge agrees,” McKenzie said.
