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Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about Annexation

Note: The following answers represent the Annexation Committee's opinion based on interviews with elected officials and our interpretation of the various statutes and codes we reviewed. We feel the information is accurate enough for Oak Ridge residents to make an informed and objective decision about the pros and cons of annexation, but the answers should not be considered as legally binding.

Q:  What would be the effect on our taxes?
A:  In addition to the taxes we currently pay as an Oak Ridge resident, we would be charged an additional $0.33/$100 in city tax. This would be slightly offset by the $0.09/$100 we are currently assessed by the POA for fire protection.

Q:  What would we get for our taxes?
A:  We would receive fire protection, police protection and several benefits identified as "immeasurable" on the "Annexation Cost Estimates" exhibit.

Q:  Is annexation imminent?
A:  During the Annexation Committee's interviews with HSB Mayor Bob Lambert and County Commissioner, Pct. 1, Johnnie Heck, it was stressed that HSB has no immediate plans to annex any of the subdivisions within its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ).

Q:  How could we stop annexation by HSB?
A:  Under Texas State law and Horseshoe Bay's Home Rule Charter adopted May 9, 2009, "The city may from time to time alter its boundaries by annexing any territory adjoining its boundaries with or without the consent of the owners or inhabitants." Prior to annexation, it is possible Oak Ridge could ask to be disannexed or removed from the City's ETJ, but we would need to seek legal advice to confirm this. If the HSB City Council voted in favor of annexing Oak Ridge, it would have to be approved by a majority of HSB residents in an election. If they voted favorably, we could contest the results within 60 days of the effective date, but we would require legal representation.

Q:  How could we start annexation by HSB?
A:  If it were determined by vote that a majority of Oak Ridge property owners wanted to be annexed by HSB, we could petition the city, accordingly.

Q:  Will we get sewage service?
A:  In view of the substantial infrastructure cost of a sewer system in Oak Ridge (estimated by some as several million dollars), it is unlikely to be included in any service plan offered by HSB as part of the annexation process.

Q:  Can LCRA or some other entity help pay for the infrastructure costs for sewage service?
A:  In theory, this is possible, but we wouldn't know until we initiated the grant seeking process.

Q:  What effect would the HSB name have on our property values?
A:  It is Mayor Lambert's opinion that it would have a positive impact.

Q:  What effect would annexation have on membership in HSB Resort?
A:  According to the Horseshoe Bay Resort Membership Information Booklet, "Resort memberships are available to Horseshoe Bay property owners by approval of a properly completed application for Membership. Initiation fees are applicable to non-Horseshoe Bay property owners." Presumably, if we were annexed by the City of HSB, the initiation fee would be waived for prospective members.

Q:  What effect would annexation have on Oak Ridge common area improvements?
A:  We don't have an answer to this question.

Q:  What effect would annexation have on Oak Ridge safety improvements due to added police, lighting, etc.
A:  It must be assumed that the implementation of regular police patrols through Oak Ridge would make a positive contribution to our safety and security.

Q:  Would annexation cause Oak Ridge to adopt the HSB restrictions/rules?
A:  It is clear that if Oak Ridge were annexed by HSB, we would be required to abide by some of the city's restrictions and rules, but as part of the annexation process, the specifics could be negotiated.

Q:  Would Oak Ridge POA property remain owned by Oak Ridge POA after annexation?
A:  The Oak Ridge POA would continue to exist after annexation, and property owned by the POA (e.g. the Community Center) would continue to be owned by the POA.

Q:  Would Oak Ridge have to adopt HSB lawn/yard restrictions, sign/house number rules etc.?
A:  Based on our meeting with Mayor Lambert, we believe Oak Ridge would be exempted from most of these restrictions due to the inherent rural nature of our development as compared to Horseshoe Bay.

Q:  Who would have zoning authority?
A:  After annexation, we would be governed by the City of HSB's zoning ordinances.

Q:  Who would have plat/re-plat authority?
A:  After annexation, the City of HSB would have approval authority for all Oak Ridge plats and re-plats.

Q:  Would annexation affect our county property taxes?
A:  No. We would continue paying property tax to Llano county.

Q:  Is there any way we could be removed from the extraterritorial jurisdiction of HSB?
A:  Without seeking legal advice, we don't know the answer to this question.

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