Annexation project gets axed by city

Less is better, that`s what the City is saying about a proposed annexation project that would have added more than 15-square miles to Saint Joseph. After more than 2-years of dealing with an involuntary annexation project south of Saint Joseph, the City Council has finally voted to put the issue to rest. Monday night eight of nine Council Members voted unanimously not to annex the property just south of the city, which includes agency and surrounding area. Councilmember Donna Jean Boyer was not present at Mondays meeting so she was unable to vote. This news was received with thanks and applause by those who say the annexation would mean a bigger tax burden on them. Supporters of the annexation maintained that it would help Saint Joseph develop new businesses and help the City`s economy. But for now Council members feel good about pleasing most people. Council members say many of them ran on the promise that the annexation would not go thru, and they are glad to make good on that promise. The Council also had a closed meeting on Monday regarding the St. Joseph Museums` pending lawsuit. City Manager Vince Capell says, the Council discussed legal issues, but he would not elaborate. However, he says it will be a while before any final decisions are made on this matter.