Avondale Estates’ commission appeared ready to approve a revised annexation plan during a specially called work session Monday night.
But that was before Jim Bishop, financial officer for the American Legion Harold Byrd Post 66, just east of the city, read a two-page statement.
Avondale is considering two annexation plans, with both including the 15-acre American Legion property and area just north comprised of residences and the former Avondale Middle School.
Bishop told commissioners the Legion wants to be “independent of the government of Avondale Estates” and its “rules, regulations and ordinances.” He added the Legion doesn’t want to be “dragged” into annexation “screaming and kicking … which will in the end cause us to marshal our resources into a completely defensive posture.”
“I’ve never heard this opinion expressed before,” said Mayor Jonathan Elmore who, along with several other commissioners, appeared genuinely stunned by Bishop’s remarks. “Believe me we don’t intend a hostile takeover.”
Though not known for certain, it appears that eliminating the American Legion would create an island out of that area immediately north. By law all annexed properties must be contiguous to the city annexing them.
The meeting adjourned with no vote and no plans for a future annexation meeting.
“It looks like annexation isn’t a big issue with the legislature this year,” said Mayor Pro Tem Terry Giager. “The urgency isn’t there. There might not be any reason to fight this battle this year.”
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