Talladega City officials are exploring an ambitious proposal to annex large sections of land to, among other things, give the city access to Interstate 20.While we understand the attractiveness of wanting to get in on all the development that is expected along the interstate corridor between Birmingham and Atlanta, we urge city officials to take a cautious approach before approving such an undertaking.
Newly elected Talladega City Council members, outgoing members, city manager Sue Horn and Mayor Brian York reviewed the proposal during a recent work session.
Some parts of the plan certainly make good sense. That includes annexing property around where the new section of the bypass is going in to allow Talladega to zone the land for commercial development and to reap the rewards of possible businesses and industries locating in that area.
It’s also a good idea to annex land up to the Waldo Town limits since the City of Talladega is looking into acquiring that community’s water system.
But the city is also considering bringing in a huge tract of land, all the way from the north side of the existing city limits to Interstate 20 in Eastaboga.
We’re not saying that’s a bad idea. In fact, it may help give the city a significant boost when it comes to retail businesses locating inside it’s tax district and bring more people and industry here.
But city leaders need to carefully consider the full impact of expanding the city so quickly. Such a move would greatly increase demands on emergency services, including the Fire and Police departments, and would also have a similar effect on utilities and other city services.
All of that costs additional money, lots of additional money — something that is often in short supply for Talladega’s government. The city would be taking something of a gamble there because it would take years for the annexation to begin generating enough tax revenue to offset the costs of increasing municipal services — if it ever does. There’s no guarantee businesses would locate there.
These are the most pressing, but not the only, concerns the Talladega Council and city manager need to be taking into consideration.
Everyone here wants to see Talladega thrive and prosper, and we commend the council and city leadership for exploring all the options to make that happen.
But we also want to make sure the decisions they make are the right ones to move our city forward.
