Blackfoot annexation passes

Blackfoot City Council members voted Tuesday night unanimously for the annexation of several properties which means that some businesses are going to have to pay almost an 80 percent increase in taxes.

Businesses that are going to 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.

Mayor Paul Loomis first proposed the plan back in January 2015.

Since then, they have held public hearings surrounding the proposal.

Some of the properties that will be effected by the cities annexation proposal include Basic American Potato Co Inc. and the Blackfoot Animal Clinic.

Loomis said he understands the concerns that were addressed by the business owners Tuesdays hearing.

“Number one concern is the increase in taxes, and right now, it’s a pretty big increase when you consider what they’re paying now in county taxes and adding the city on to it. But I know they understand where we are coming from, theses are good people,” Loomis said.

Loomis also said 10 properties will be annexed, and the next step in the process is sending the ordinance to the county for review.

“The annexation tax will not go into effect until 24 months from the date it was passed,” Loomis said.