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Mayor Releases Statement on the Advancement of ETJ BIll, ‘Awaiting Detailed Legal Opinion’ on Bill’s Impact

June 25, 2014. Boone Mayor Andy Ball released a statement on Sen. Dan Soucek’s bill that eliminates the Boone’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ). The bill passed a second reading in the House by a vote of 65 to 47 on Tuesday and is likely on its way to law. See Ball’s statement below. 
“The Town of Boone is extremely disappointed in yesterday’s action in the NC House to advance Senate Bill 865. If passed, this would be the first time in history the State of North Carolina takes zoning authority from a municipality.
Senator Soucek has yet to provide an example to justify his inflammatory comments against the Town of Boone, or explain his failure to notify the Town of Boone before introducing it, allowing the Council an opportunity to hear and address any concerns.
Lee Stroupe and I had a productive discussion just last night with the House Government Committee, sharing the adverse impacts on ETJ residents such as destabilized property values, increased urban sprawl effects, and serious adverse consequences for public safety and stormwater in a county without zoning. After the committee voted it down by 12-15 after full and thorough discussion, they reconsidered that vote this afternoon at the insistence of Rep. Jordan, passing by 18-16, and leading to a 65-47 passage on second reading on the House floor. The bill is apparently headed toward becoming law.
Council will now be forced to immediately reconsider all water policies in light of this bill becoming law, and consider whether water can continue to be provided to Boone ETJ properties or any unincorporated areas of the county. We are awaiting a detailed legal opinion on this bill’s impact on residents of the Boone ETJ, and will continue to work to protect these property owners as we are able.”
For more information on the issue, click here.