Our View: Bethel Township Shows Now Is The Time For Annexation Reform

It's been twenty years since real annexation reforms have taken place and Bethel Township has borne the brunt of these so-called reforms

More than two decades have elapsed since the State of Ohio last undertook significant reforms in its annexation laws. In light of this, this publication posits that it is imperative to reevaluate and adopt a new approach to these regulations.

The subject of annexation seldom garners enthusiasm for discussion within the statehouse, as it does not conveniently align with the binary nature of the prevailing two-party system. Matters that risk deviating from established party lines are generally avoided, and even less so are they openly debated.

However, the recent submission of a petition aiming to expand the City of Huber Heights by an additional 300 acres into Bethel Township signals a pressing need for annexation reform to ascend the legislative agenda of our local representatives in Columbus.

The case in point leverages the "Type 2 Expedited" annexation process, as delineated in Section 709.023 of the Ohio Revised Code. This provision allows for the automatic approval of annexations by the Board of County Commissioners, provided the land remains within the township and no legal conflicts are present, offering considerable advantage to the municipality while imposing undue burdens on the school district and neighboring townships. This publication advocates for specific amendments to refine the "Type 2 Expedited" annexation regulations.

First and foremost, limitations on the size of annexations are necessary. Under the prevailing statutes, municipalities of any dimension can annex up to 500 acres, facilitating substantial growth for cities such as Troy and Tipp City by 7% and over 10%, respectively. For Huber Heights, a 500-acre annexation would result in the physical growth of the city of more than 3%.

Acknowledging the necessity for community expansion, we argue that the current "one size fits all" philosophy is inadequate for municipal annexations. Rapid and extensive growth often culminates in infrastructure expenditures that burden the entire citizenry. Huber Heights residents are already acquainted with the challenges of infrastructure maintenance, having spent millions on recurrent water main repairs; which in some recent years averaged to one per week.

We propose that annexations be capped at no more than 1% of a community's total area, allowing for thoughtful growth across communities of varying sizes. For annexations exceeding this limit, approval from both the affected township and county should be requisite, thereby providing a platform for municipalities and landowners to present their case to these communities.

Moreover, the provision of public services in annexed areas must be explicit and standardized. The current legislation's vagueness, requiring municipalities to pledge at least one public service without specifying which, inadvertently shifts the responsibility back to townships and counties. This was evident in the recent resolution by the Huber Heights City Council, which omitted essential services such as centralized water and sewer for the newly annexed area, potentially overburdening the county's existing infrastructure.

Fairness dictates that if a city, like Huber Heights, possesses the infrastructure to supply centralized services to its residents, it must extend the same to newly annexed territories. Allowing municipalities to selectively provide services undermines the equity for current and prospective residents.

Furthermore, school districts must be empowered to have a say in annexations, especially when they face the prospect of accommodating a surge in student population. The Bethel Local Schools' experience, with enrollment increases that are unsustainable, underscores the necessity for districts to voice concerns over annexations that may adversely affect them.

Finally, give a Board of County Commissioners an option to have an up or down vote on the merits of an annexation petition and not simply have them serve as another sets of eyes making sure all the “i”s were dotted and “t”s were crossed. The Commissioners represent the entire county and are capable of casting policy making votes, especially when it comes to those decisions that can have a profound impact on a county both now and in the future.

Looking ahead, there is a glimmer of hope. The 80th House District, encompassing the Bethel Local Schools, anticipates new representation come January 1, 2025. It is encouraging to note Republican candidate Johnathan Newman's acknowledgment of the adverse impacts of these annexations on Bethel Local Schools and the broader community, marking a significant shift from the stance of the incumbent state representative.

Additionally, our County Commissioners have addressed the need for annexation reforms with a State Senate committee in Lima, highlighting the challenges faced by Miami County and Bethel Township.

While advocating for reform in areas as contentious as annexation is challenging, collective efforts from our readers and the broader community can enact change. Sharing this editorial with state and county leaders, alongside discussions within your networks, can elevate the importance of these issues. We encourage you to contribute your insights and ideas, here in the comment thread that will help foster a robust dialogue around annexation reform.

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