Blackfoot considers annexation of businesses

The city of Blackfoot is proposing an annexation of properties.

Businesses that would be annexed are near the intersection of Highway 39 and Highway 26, West to the intersection of Highway 26 and West Collins Road. It also covers the area on both sides of Groveland Road Right-of-Way, from intersection with State Highway 26 to intersection of State Highway 39.

Only business industrial zoning areas would be effected and properties under five acres in size are considered.

“We are looking at specific properties,” Mayor of Blackfoot Paul Loomis said.

The City of Blackfoot and Zoning Commission sent out a letter informing the public of the proposal.

The letter outlines points in infrastructure, services,employee and a tax levy rate.

Loomis said, those businesses pay a lower county tax, but still use city services.

“Those properties should share the cost of those benefits,” Loomis said.

The properties which could be effected by the cities annexation proposal include Basic American Potato Co Inc. and the Blackfoot Animal Clinic.

“Now is the time for us to prepare our infrastructure to meet the needs of future growth. We want to grow,” Loomis said.

“No one want’s to pay a higher tax, it’s always a challenge. Those property owners probably prefer not to be annexed,” Loomis said.

Not everyone see’s the proposed annexation as a good thing.

“How would you feel if someone came in said we’re going to increase your taxes and you can’t tell us yes or no? We are just going to do it,” said Tony Parson, owner of the Blackfoot Animal Clinic.

The proposed annexation plan is to welcome all properties that are near or adjacent to the City of Blackfoot boundaries and provide service such as law enforcement services, fire services, sanitation, water and waste water treatment.

“We use county services. We pay taxes to the county and the county pays the city,” Parsons said.

City Council will be having a public hearing Feb. 23. at 7 p.m.

If the annexation does pass, the tax would not go into effect until two years from the date it was passed.