Do you know where you live? I think if you ask anyone who lives in the Becker area where you are from they will tell you Becker. Although everyone is correct there are two Becker “entities”. There are those people who reside within the city limits are from the City of Becker. A good number of residents of our community reside in Becker Township, even more in terms of numbers, than within the city itself.
As the city grows and expands its boundaries we go through a process of annexation. This moves the political boundaries of the city out to include additional properties. Generally speaking as a matter of policy the city has only annexed property that has petitioned to be annexed. There may come a time when that policy isn’t practical but it is not the intention of the city to annex property for the sake of annexation. Property owners petition for annexation for a number of reasons but primarily it is for development with water and sewer utilities.
The Becker City and Township have recognized that the community should grow in an orderly fashion. We also recognize that development in an urban fashion is more efficient and reduces the need for services to be applied over an expanded area. They further recognize that the Community of Becker includes both the township area and the city. In realizing this, the relationship between the governing bodies has been good. We have an Annexation Committee that is jointly served by both groups. Annexations are reviewed by this body to determine if a need exists and the process of annexation is done in a joint fashion. Both the council and the township board adopt a joint resolution that is sent to the state for boundary adjustments.
In furthering our relationship an Orderly Annexation Agreement is being considered. This agreement provides for the eventual annexation of the entire township. In saying that, the plan for annexation will continue as it has been with annexation as petitions are received and the need for annexation is demonstrated. This places the properties in Becker Township in waiting to eventually be part of the City of Becker and the Community that we live in.
A public informational meeting with be held at 6:30 in the Becker City Hall on October 2nd. This meeting will be a joint meeting between the Becker Township Board of Supervisors and the Becker City Council. The meeting will be held to consider any comments concerning the proposed Orderly Annexation Agreement. Those persons interested are invited to attend.
