The following article appeared in The News Star online edition on 6/23/08.
As I see it, there are dramatic differences in philosophies of the 2 mayors. I don't think either mayor is wrong; they have different visions for their cities.
Yes, there has been explosive growth in West Monroe, both residential and commercial. But, let's face it. There was plenty of room to grow residential areas and a great need to grow businesses.
Monroe had little residential growth 20 years ago, but that has changed. More and more subdivisions are springing up in areas that we thought were built out. That's a good thing!
I wish the bickering about which side of the river is a better place to live would STOP! The quality of life in the Twin Cities is good. We should remember that, and encourage people from all parts of the US to become our neighbors. Let them decide which side of the river is most attractive to their lifestyle. The topography of the area is different as well, and will sometimes have a great impact on one's decision.
If you're looking for a home on either side of the river, please contact me or visit my websites
http://WestMonroeRealEstate.com or http://GayleCausey.com for information on both communities.
Gayle Causey, 318-614-5615
Keller Williams Realty
Monroe, LA USA
Monroe's Mayo looks to grow while expenses, revenue concern Norris
West Monroe focuses exclusively on commercial growth to generate tax monies and shuns residential annexation because of the expense in public services.
In stark contrast, Monroe actively seeks the annexation of new residential areas to maintain its designation as an entitlement city, which increases the federal population-based funding.
It's just one of many differences in philosophies between the cities.
"It's a business decision," said West Monroe Mayor Dave Norris. "We never pursue anybody for annexation."
West Monroe officials look at two aspects of any commercial or residential annexation request before considering approval to bring the property into the city, Norris said.
Utility reviews are done to determine whether the city can provide a property with water and sewer services, and the impact annexation would have on the city fire insurance rating also is considered.
As far as Norris is concerned, annexing neighborhoods is a drain on city coffers.
"We already try to keep water and sewer and garbage collection fees as low as we can keep them," Norris said. "And when you take in more people, you're adding in cost without adding in enough revenue to cover it.
"Cities also spend money building and maintaining the streets," he said
Unlike West Monroe, Monroe has publicly welcomed annexation of Ouachita Parish neighborhoods.
Monroe's effort to bolster its population began in 2006 when Mayor Jamie Mayo announced an initiative to provide more housing opportunities in the city. Its estimated 2004 population was just above 52,000. If the population drops below 50,000, Monroe stands to lose about $1.3 million in federal community development and housing grants. "If we don't keep that status, we could also lose federal airport monies and transit system monies," Mayo said. "It's an investment to solidify our status as an entitlement city."
Following the 2006 initiative, Monroe annexed the new Belle Pointe subdivision in the River Oaks area that brought dozens of additional homes into the city. However, the planned annexation of a second subdivision in southern Monroe - the Beouf River subdivision, which has 60 occupied homes - never came to fruition.
Problems in annexing a residential subdivision are numerous, according to Monroe Director of Administration David Barnes. Though the city gains some property taxes and revenue from water, sewer and garbage collections, costs include street maintenance and providing fire and police protection.
"It's a two-way sword," Barnes said.
Although Monroe officials conduct a cost-benefit analysis on all proposed residential annexations, they know it's a delicate balance.
"Sure, it's going to be an expense to annex, period," Mayo said. "But you have to weigh which is worse: annexation expense or the chance you take falling below the 50,000 population mark and the amount of entitlement funds and status you lose.
"It's not my goal as mayor to have a city necessarily that's 100,000. But I feel we would be very comfortable with 60,000 population."
By Robbie Evans • revans@thenewsstar.com • June 23, 2008
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