TOWN OF ALDERSON POST OFFICE BOX 179 CITY BUILDING—202 SOUTH MONROE STREET ALDERSON, WEST VIRGINIA 24910 TELEPHONE (304) 445-2916 NEWS RELEASE - 7-3-2016

Contact:  Mayor Travis Copenhaver 304-445-2916 / Margaret Hambrick 304-646-2439

Subject: Annexation A   long   in   the   works   letter   has   been   put   in   the   mail   today   for   those   affected.   Those   in   Glen   Ray   area   of Summers   and   Monroe   counties   will   be   getting   letters   with   information   about   annexation. Along   with   them is   a   return   form   requesting   your   in   favor   or   not   in   favor   reply.   Some   on   Knob   View   lane   in   Monroe   county will   as   well.   This   section   is   to   square   the   now   very   not   square   boundary   that   if   annexed   will   run   straight across to the camps on the Summers side of the tracks South at the backside of Glen Ray. This   is   not   secret   information.   Nor   is   it   a   plot   for   the   town   to   annex   any   area   without   informing   all   things affected to those affected. Those   receiving   letters   will   see   the   intent   and   benefits   and   changes   to   taxes   and   the   affect   to   lower property   insurances.   In   the   end,   it   will   make   most   paying   less   than   $1,000   total   at   the   end   in   taxes   and municipal   fees.   The   benefit   could   be   a   police   officer   to   your   home   within   minutes   in   the   greatest   time   of need. Yes,   if   the   annexation   is   approved   my   team   and   I   will   immediately   release   the   approval   to   our   engineers to   start   seeking   funding   for   water   and   Sewer   extensions   to   improve   quality   of   life   for   those   affected   as well. Once   the   surveys   are   returned,   we   will   have   a   public   meeting   and   review   the   surveys   and   steps   to proceed   or   not.   This   process   has   cost   countless   volunteers   hours   to   make   happen.   It   has   also   already cost   the   municipality   about   $1,000   dollars   in   postage,   legal   fees,   and   supplies.   The   next   step,   if   the majority   is   in   favor,   is   a   land   survey   that   will   cost   over   $25,000   to   complete.   Hence   you   see   and understand the importance of this survey we sent out. As   you   see   here,   the   planning   commission   worked   in   full   swing   to   get   over   180   affected   property   owners the    factual    information    about    this    process.    I    owe    much    thanks    to    every    member    of    the    planning commission   for   their   work   and   helping   to   follow   our   comprehensive   plan   for   growth.   Most   importantly   a majority   of   all   fees   was   much   lower   because   of   the   work   of   Sam   Kasley   and   his   unselfish   giving   of   time, fuel, and research at the court houses.  (Click on photos for larger view)