Tempers Flare Over Annexation

KOKOMO, Ind. -- Tempers flared Wednesday night at a council meeting at which a vote saved several residents from being annexed into Kokomo.

City officials sought to annex about 14 square miles both east and west of the city, but they cut that plan to 12 square miles, 6News' Cheryl Jackson reported.

Dozens of residents said they live in the country for the rolling hills, quiet -- the opposite of city life.

"If I wanted to live in the city, I would have bought in the city," said Jared Woolbridge, one of several residents opposed to annexation.

Protesters said they are most concerned about city laws that don't allow loud farm equipment noise or farm animals

"We are losing things we would be able to do in our homes. When they take those rights away, what is next," said Deanna Ancil.

The proposal passed a second reading Wednesday. If it passes a third reading, about 3,500 homes will be annexed.

Most county residents use well water. They would have to pay as much as $7,000 to connect to city utilities.

At least one resident sided with the city in the annexation battle.

"I don't think there's anyone who comes to work in the city that doesn't use the roads, streets and facilities," the woman said.

Wednesday's change to the annexation plan spared about 1,100 homes to the west of the city from annexation.

A final reading of the proposal is set for August.