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The August 12th annexation election has been canceled, and the size of the area proposed to be annexed is smaller. Much of the information on this page is still relevant though.

• Estimated on average revenue generated by annexation according to the City Clerk at the Benton City Council Hearing on June 7, 2008 will be $150,000 (refers to canceled annexation proposal).

• Promised Fire Department Sub Station in the annexed area will cost an estimated $1 million to buy land, build, equip, and man and an additional $800,000 a year to operate. City Council member also said at the meeting that Benton has already been servicing a large amount of the Salem area. Documented records show 3 day runs in the last 7 months. Benton averages over 200 runs a month. Not to mention the new $2 million water tower planned in the area with the complete water project at $23 million.

• Benton's map of the sewage system indicates a great need for improvement within the existing city limits. The city is in a 10-year plan to improve this at a cost of $3 million. There are many areas where drainage and flooding is a major problem for the citizens. According to the bylaws read and interrupted by Mrs. Marsha Guffey at the June 7th meeting, the annexed area will have to be served within 3 years. Does Benton have the finances and manpower to accomplish both without having to put the citizens on hold?

• According to Police Chief Roger Gaither during the June 7th meeting, Benton is at present 8 police personnel short. The annexed area would stretch an already burdened police force. Plans were discussed during the meeting of building a Police Sub Station in the Salem area. With land, building, equipment, and personnel, would add at the least another $250,000 or more debit from Benton's funds.

• Animal Control has continually worked on an apron string budget. Getting a response is very difficult within the existing area. They are working with minimal employment and as many volunteers as they can get. Taking on a rural area with no leash law and bringing it into code would require more manpower and vehicles. $100,000 would probably be an under estimate.

• Maintenance of streets, roads, and ditches on the annexed area will be an additional cost.

• Tax payer cost for a special election from which the average citizen will see no benefit.

By Jerry Plant