Cumberland Residents Face Growing Pains Over Annexation

John Sumrell has lived in the county for more than 30 years, but he could soon have a city address, along with city taxes.

"I mean, I don't want to pay more taxes. Nobody does. I don't want to pay anything I don't have to," he said.

Sumrell said he has seen the city grow over the last decade, doubling in size and annexing neighborhoods every two years. Now, the city is gearing up for its largest expansion ever that would include 40 neighborhoods and about 43,000 people.

"There's a large number of things we do that don't happen in the unincorporated area that just make the quality of life better for the whole community," City Manager Roger Stancil said.

Some residents disagree with Stancil's assessment. They claim they already get those services like trash pick-up and they do not want to see new taxes for the same thing.

"We have everything we need. There's nothing that they can do for us," county resident Patricia Cuervo said.

City leaders promise new residents will get more police cars on their streets and better infrastructure like drains and street lights. The city will get $14 million in new taxes.

Under state law, cities can annex unincorporated areas without permission from county residents. The public will have several opportunities to speak out about the plan.