Mayor Bob Massengill stressed to the Board of Aldermen Tuesdaynight that the city’s annexation is not yet official. And until itis, city leaders are limited in what they can and cannot say aboutthe situation.

Massengill said it looks as though the annexation mandate shouldcome down on April 26, at which point the city would have to startproviding services to the annexation area on May 6. The MississippiSupreme Court approved the annexation April 5, but objectors have14 days to request a rehearing that would stay implemtation of cityobligations.

“Bear in mind, all we’ve had is the last week to work on thingssince we heard the news,” Massengill said. “We want to ensure asmooth transition. But at this time and until it’s official, thereare not a lot of clear answers.”

The board discussed a Wednesday meeting between city and countyofficials, which has been scheduled as something of aninformation-swapping session.

“I know the county wants answers and I don’t blame them, but wedon’t have them right now,” said Alderman at large LesBumgarner.

Ward Four Alderwoman Shirley Estes said that perhaps the countywanted to address their concerns about the annexation as well asasking questions.

“I understand why they have questions, and I don’t blame them,”said Massengill. “It’s just that since the litigation is stillpending, we’re limited on what we can say until April 26.”

During last night’s meeting, Massengill asked board members tohold off on their annexation-related questions until a laterexecutive session for pending litigation and an unrelated personnelmatter. Prior to the closed meeting, though, the mayor offered ageneral update on the annexation situation.

Massengill said he had met with Police Chief Pap Henderson andFire Chief Bob Watts, and that things are under way with the policeand fire departments to ensure a seamless transition.

The mayor added that he and Watts will meet with the ratingsbureau about the city’s current Class 6 rating. Homes to be annexedshould end up with a Class 6 rating, too, which will lower theirinsurance premiums.

Massengill said he has also met with other department heads andseveral departments will be adding personnel.

“We will post those openings, and we will be looking for good,quality city employees,” he said.

Massengill also said the garbage collection will be discussedwith the county.

“These things will be done in as timely a manner as possible,”he said. “We definitely want to insure quality service for thosecoming into the city.”

Of particular concern to some of the aldermen was theredistricting of their wards.

“We’re going to want to see preliminary drawings,” said Ward OneAlderman Dorsey Cameron, echoing the sentiments of several of theothers.

“(Annexation consultant) Mike Slaughter is working on therezoning,” said the mayor. “You’ll be aware of exactly what isgoing on as it happens.”

As it stands, the Justice Department will have to rule onwhatever Slaughter and his associates come up with to approveracial makeup and population in each ward. There cannot be morethan a 10 percent difference in the black and white composition ineach ward, said City Attorney Joe Fernald.

Ward Five Alderman D.W. Maxwell asked about people who want tobuild a house in the annexation area where city sewers are notcurrently servicing.

“What we’re doing immediately deals with what we’re alreadyservicing,” said Massengill. “We will be in a position to answerthose kind of questions in less than a week.”

Maxwell then inquired into whether the residents of theannexation areas would need to adhere to city ordinances. He addedhe had told them they would.

“There are precedents for all these things,” respondedFernald.

Fernald said many other Mississippi cities have annexed land andit has worked fine.

“These questions are premature, but there are answers,” Fernaldsaid. “We need to not put the cart before the horse here.”