Annexation

What is annexation?

Annexation is the process by which cities and towns extend their municipal services, regulations, voting privileges, and taxing authority to new territories. The result is a change in the boundaries of the community.

How are properties annexed into White Hall?

Annexation, or the incorporation of a land area into an existing municipality with a resulting change in the boundaries of that municipality, is accomplished in one of three ways:

1. Annexation without Election. This is the most commonly utilized annexation process in White Hall. Two petitions are required to initiate this annexation process: one signed by a majority of the qualified voters in the area to be annexed, and one from a majority of the freeholders in the area to be annexed. Approval of the annexation must be granted by Town Council and an order submitted to the Marion County Commission. In the event Marion County, West Virginia adopts a countywide Zoning Ordinance which includes urban growth boundaries, additional statutory prerequisites may have to be met for annexation without an election.

2. Minor Boundary Adjustment. The Town Council applies to the Marion County Commission for a minor boundary adjustment. The Town’s application shall include, but not be limited to: (1) the number of business located in and persons residing in the additional territory; (2) an affidavit of each business, person and freeholder of the additional territory stating that he, she or it has consented to the annexation – in the event the municipality cannot obtain such an affidavit within 90 days after sending the affidavit form and a letter explaining the purpose of the annexation via certified mail, the business, resident or freeholder shall be deemed to have consented to the annexation; (3) an accurate metes and bounds map of the additional territory; (4) a statement setting forth the Town’s plan for providing public services; (5) a statement of the impact of annexation on private solid waste collection services or public service districts in the event the Town’s plan does not utilize current service providers; (6) a statement of the impact on fire insurance and protection rates; (7) a statement of how the annexation will impact the Town’s finances and services; and (8) a declaration that the annexation meets the requirements of W.Va. Code § 8-6-5. 

After receipt of the application, the Marion County Commission shall make a determination as to the appropriateness of the minor boundary adjustment, with specific consideration given to whether or not the annexation could have been accomplished by other statutory means available such as annexation by petition or election. If minor boundary adjustment is deemed appropriate, and the threshold requirements are satisfied, the County Commission shall order publication of a notice of the proposed annexation, and the County Commission shall then conduct a hearing, after proper notice, on the proposed minor boundary adjustment. In making its final decision, the County Commission will analyze the seven (7) factor test set forth in W.Va. Code § 8-6-5(f). In the event a proposed minor boundary adjustment is denied, the Town of White Hall could appeal the County Commission’s findings to Marion County Circuit Court for reconsideration. Further, under the February 20, 2020 revision to the Minor Boundary Adjustment a West Virginia municipality may not present a County Commission with another application for annexation related to the same parcel(s), or any part thereof, for a period of two (2) years after the issuance of the final order of the Marion County Commission, unless such application is directed by the Circuit Court of Marion County as the result of an appeal.

3. Annexation with Election. 5% of freeholders within the municipality file a petition with Town Council and obtain a surety bond in an amount to be determined by the Town Council. An election is held ordering the vote of all the qualified voters within the Town and all the qualified voters within the area under consideration for annexation. A majority of all the legal votes both within the Town and within the additional territory are required for the annexation to be approved.

How does an area qualify for annexation?

The Town of White Hall can annex property that is contiguous to the existing Town limit boundary or is accessible by a right-of-way or road that is already controlled by the Town or can also be annexed into the Town.

Why does the Town of White Hall annex properties?

The benefits to the Town include more citizens participating in municipal government, economy of scale in providing services, increased revenue to support town services, better planning for the urban area, and a stronger community of citizens with similar needs.

When would I start receiving Town services?

You may already be receiving some town services due to your proximity to the town limit line. If so, the services provided to you will continue without interruption. If not, town services will be provided to you immediately upon approval of the annexation request.

Potential Annexation Benefits At-a-Glance

Reduced Fire Insurance Rates

One of the most desirable benefits of Town residency is the potential decrease in your insurance rates due to the increased fire protection/municipal classification for insurance underwriting. Check with your individual insurance carrier to determine the exact amount of your savings in this regard.

Increased Police Protection

White Hall’s Police Department takes a proactive approach to prevention, deterrence, detection and investigation, providing for the protection and safety of our citizens, businesses and visitors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Better Protection of Property Values

Municipal oversight of building and property maintenance help maintain a high standard of construction and public safety, and address issues like peeling paint, broken windows, trash and debris and high grass, which can quickly become a nuisance and affect property values in our neighborhoods.

Street Maintenance, Street Lighting, Fire Hydrants & Snow Removal

White Hall provides street maintenance, street lighting, fire hydrants and snow removal within its municipal territory.

How are my property taxes affected and what municipal fees are present?

An additional municipal tax will be collected after annexation. The tax will be included on the tax ticket you receive after annexation and is payable in the same manner as your current State and County taxes.

Cost of being Annexed into the Town of White Hall

Property Taxes are Calculated on the Assessed Value of Home multiplied by .0012

Example: $100,000.00 x .0012 = $120.00

*This will be added to your Statement of Taxes Due

Additional Tax Ticket Information:

Class 2 indicates Owner Occupied Property

Class 4 indicates Non-Owner-Occupied Properties, Vacant, or Commercial Properties

White Hall Municipality Tax

Class 4 - .0024

Class 2 - .0012 (example above)

*Businesses considering annexation into the Town of White Hall should contact the Town for detailed property tax amounts.

Utilities Excise Tax (electric, gas, water, sewage, telephone and cell phones)

Example – Add all utilities for a year and multiply by 2%

                       $3,000.00 x 2% = 60.00

Mandatory Fire Fee (invoiced by the Town – outside of the Town it is voluntary)

Residents - $35.00/Annual

Business - $0.35 per square ft.

Cable Franchise Fee (added to your bill)

If you have cable and live outside of White Hall, there is a franchise fee that goes to the county.

If you come into the Town of White Hall, the fee is doubled. It is currently $1.85 per month.

$1.85 x 12 = $22.20

Additional Information

Additional information can be obtained from the Town of White Hall upon request. If you, or for that matter your business, would like such additional information please feel free to contact the Town of White Hall:

Cindy Stover, Town Administrator, 304-367-1687

Further, you are welcome to attend a Town of White Hall public meeting to request additional information concerning annexation, or to simply generally inquire about annexation of the annexation process at the Town of White Hall.