Governor signs annexation bill

Gov. Robert Bentley ha signed the bill to annex pockets of Jefferson County lands to the City of Homewood.

The bill passed the state legislature during its special session in August. With the governor’s signature, Homewood can bring six pockets of land into its jurisdiction.

Annexing these areas can prevent the confusion that comes from the difference in Jefferson County rules and Homewood’s rules.

“Your citizens live all around these properties and expect these properties are a part of Homewood, and yet when it turns out they are complying with a different set of regulations, it causes a problem,” said Rep. David Faulkner.

Faulkner worked with Rep. John Rogers to help move the bill through the House. The bill was initially proposed by Sen. Jabo Waggoner.

This is the second time an annexation bill has gone before the state legislature, said Ward 2 Representative Fred Hawkins. The first time the bill failed, but conversation regarding an electronic billboard on Lakeshore Drive helped reignite conversation.