Progresive Decision of Cooperation

When we look to the future some of us think about family goals. Others think about job goals and how to be better at what we do. Still others think about accomplishing some task such as getting that degree. With the city and township a goal of working together was established. More specifically the City of Becker and Becker Township agreed to an Orderly Annexation Agreement.

So what's that? An agreement such as this can take a number of different forms but it generally provides for the terms and conditions under which the city can annex property from the township to become part of the city. In our instance the the agreement provides for all of Becker Township to someday become part of Becker. It also provides for the terms and conditions under which the city may annex. The agreement provides for a joint advisory planning board to review land use applications. When finally assembled this board will review applications and recommend actions to the township board for final action by them, rather than Sherburne County.

Accomplishing these tasks is not a minor matter. The township needed to develop a comprehensive land use plan. They will need to establish a zoning and subdivision ordinance. They will also need to take the final steps of removing county authority and establishing their own authority. They are effectively creating their own destiny while working with the city to plan for a better community of Becker.

The plan does not annex anything at this time. The plan doesn't change taxes. It does specify how annexations will occur and under what conditions. It clarifies the city can't annex by ordinance. Only through cooperation can the city annex. The Orderly Annexation Plan also effectively lets the communities of Monticello and Big Lake know in legal form that Becker Township is off limits for annexation. This too provides for addressing our own destiny.

We look forward to working with the township in a more proactive way. They have the best interests of the community at heart and want to move Becker in the right direction. We have an interest to not only do the same but also work towards the community of Becker moving in the same directions. This may be a historic decision but it really is a progressive decision of cooperation. I applaud and thank our political leaders for their foresight. They have made a responsible decision for the future of Becker.