Petition filed for "Donut Hole" to become separate city
PASCO -- Neighbors have taken a big step forward in the fight against annexation of the Franklin County "donut hole." They've officially filed their petition to incorporate into their own city.
Many of the residents have long said that is a better alternative that becoming part of Pasco, simply because they want to maintain their rural lifestyle.
And now that the paperwork is filed with the county, it means Commissioners will hold a public hearing to get input from both sides of the issue.
Action News has learned it is already scheduled for Wednesday, June 13th. It will be held at the TRAC in Pasco at 7:00.
If Commissioners do approve the petition, then donut hole residents would have to get about 400 signatures to put the issue on the ballot. They tell KEPR the hope is to put it to a vote sometime in 2013.
The petition says the city would tentatively be called "Riverview." It would also be considered a 'contract city,' which means it would contract out for basic services like police, fire, and garbage. And it would have a volunteer-based board or council that would make city decisions.
Pasco city leaders have been negotiating for months to reach an annexation agreement. City Manager Gary Crutchfield tells Action News, if the "donut hole" neighbors continue to pursue incorporation, city council members will have to decide if they will continue with plans to annex the land anyway.
Many of the residents have long said that is a better alternative that becoming part of Pasco, simply because they want to maintain their rural lifestyle.
And now that the paperwork is filed with the county, it means Commissioners will hold a public hearing to get input from both sides of the issue.
Action News has learned it is already scheduled for Wednesday, June 13th. It will be held at the TRAC in Pasco at 7:00.
If Commissioners do approve the petition, then donut hole residents would have to get about 400 signatures to put the issue on the ballot. They tell KEPR the hope is to put it to a vote sometime in 2013.
The petition says the city would tentatively be called "Riverview." It would also be considered a 'contract city,' which means it would contract out for basic services like police, fire, and garbage. And it would have a volunteer-based board or council that would make city decisions.
Pasco city leaders have been negotiating for months to reach an annexation agreement. City Manager Gary Crutchfield tells Action News, if the "donut hole" neighbors continue to pursue incorporation, city council members will have to decide if they will continue with plans to annex the land anyway.
