35 homes and an industrial park at center of Long Beach annexation fight

The Long Beach annexation trial resumed in Harrison County on Monday.

The hearing had been paused for a month before city attorney J. Chadwick Mask brought the case back to the bench. He called urban planning expert Mike Slaughter to the stand. Slaughter testified about Long Beach’s population density and its growth trajectory over the last two decades. His testimony supported the city’s argument that it needs to expand its borders.

The proposed annexation covers a specific area containing 35 single-family homes, 73 residents, and the local industrial park. Mayor Tim Pierce stated that Long Beach has provided first responders and city utilities to these zones for decades. However, residents in those areas do not pay the same city taxes as people living inside the current city limits.

Opponents argue the move is primarily financial. They claim the city seeks to capture an estimated $305,000 in annual tax revenue from the industrial park. Herbert Stelly, an opponent of the annexation, told the court he sees no reason for the expansion. “I’ve got to look at increased taxes. There’s no reason for this. There’s no reason whatsoever,” Stelly said. He added that Long Beach has not done anything for the industrial park and expressed confidence that the judge will listen to all the facts.

Cross-examination of Slaughter is scheduled to finish on Tuesday. The opposition side will then begin calling witnesses to explain why they are against the annexation.