BERLIN – Berlin is making a push for incorporation after over 200 years. On Thursday night, several of its citizens gathered at the local community center to discuss the possibility.
“After we had the meeting back in August, I was against (incorporation),” community leader Patrick Bates said to the group of residents. “But I have to say what changed my mind is when I looked into it and realized that we are paying enough taxes to support a town.”
When Bates opened up the meeting to those in attendance for discussion, there was a point of contention with a senior citizen named Jack Dukes. Dukes began accusing Bates of gerrymandering the proposed Incorporated Berlin town borderlines. Bates made clear that the reason the proposed border of Berlin turned out in such an unusual way was because there must be at least four eligible voters living on any specific plot of land for it to be included in the proposed township.
“I see my house in the town-limits here. Did you get my permission to include my house in this?” Dukes asked. “Am I going to have to sue you to get out of it once all this is finished?”
Bates responded by assuring he could amend the proposed border immediately to exclude the elderly man’s property.
Dukes continued to challenge Bates, inexplicably, on rather inconsequential details, most of which were explained in clear detail on the handout each of those in attendance to the meeting received.
Bates had well-informed answers to any and all questions to the questions of those in attendance. Bates was not dogmatic about the certainty of the necessity of Berlin’s incorporation, but he was earnest in his desire to present those in attendance with all the facts and hear their concerns.
Bates explained how the council would be elected if and when Berlin’s incorporation becomes finalized.
If Berlin were to be incorporated, with a population 750, it would become the fifth largest municipality in Cullman County, behind Good Hope, Hanceville, Holly Pond and South Vinemont. Berlin would jump ahead of Baileyton, Colony, Dodge City, Fairview, Garden City, and West Point. Berlin would receive just over 7 percent of the county tax pool, none of which it receives right now.
The argument consistently raised by those in attendance was summarized by Dukes: “Why buy a cow when your neighbor gives you milk for free?” he asked.
Bates’ consistent reply was, ultimately, an appeal to the opportunities that American democracy allows with local self-government.
Possible Timeline:
Next Several Months
Collection of signatures for the petition to the probate judge asking for a special election for incorporation.
Three to Six Months Later
Probate Court evaluates and verifies the petition. At the end of this process a date is set for the special election.
One to Two Weeks Later
If and when the voters decide to incorporate, the Probate Court will take a census of the town, which will be the basis for tax revenue until 2020.
One to Two Months Later
The first election of municipal officers will be held
First Council Meeting
The first duty is to hire a town clerk, set salary, and other terms of employment.
First Year
Deal with startup of new town. Including: decisions involving banking, insurance, utilities, telecommunications, etc.
Two Years After Startup
The council will assume responsibility of the roads within the town no later than two years after the incorporation is finalized. Until such time the county will retain responsibility.
Background:
