To the editor:

I have been following the recent news regarding the most current annexation issues between the City of Salem and the Perry Township Trustees. This, in my mind, boils down to whether or not deed restrictions on approximately 33 township properties — created 27 years prior, requiring such properties to annex into the city if and when the subject property becomes adjacent to the city boundary — are legally binding.

The Trustees have apparently had this situation reviewed by legal counsel and have two legal opinions that the properties are not “annexable” in this scenario. In view of the City’s initial offer to resolve this problem I would suggest immediately ceasing any further discussion and proceed to have the situation resolved in the judicial system. I am not an attorney but do know that $12 million would buy a lot of legal fees.

The current offer proposed by the City requires the Township to pay the City $12 million to buy into a regional utility department at a rate of 22% ownership. The Township would also be required to pay any future expansion of this department at a rate of 22% Such expansion could include that of projects having nothing to do with township property.

In exchange, the affected property owners get to continue to pay the increased non-residential water rate (50%). In time, through JEDD agreement, the properties remain part of the Township and receives City services but pay City income tax. The City and Township split the income tax and real estate tax 22%-78%. The property owner loses.

This whole situation harkens back to the 2005 fire district proposal by the City which, in time, would have permitted the City to annex much or all of the existing Perry Township.

Thank you to our existing Township Trustees for showing some spine in their initial response to the City’s proposal. Just in review of the Salem News’ reporting of this situation it would seem to me that this proposal was not made in good faith and should be disregarded in total.

Respectfully,

JOHN S. ARTER,

Salem