Leaders strive to inform locals on annexation, doughnut holes

As Bluffton has rapidly grown in land area and population, growth management practices such as the annexation process have created “doughnut holes” which can cause some new residents to be unsure if their neighborhood is part of the town or not, if town ordinances apply to them, or wondering about the procedures to become incorportated.

By state law, annexation remains voluntary and resident-driven. This is one of the factors that creates “doughnut holes,” unincorporated county areas that are completely surrounded by municipalities. Those doughnut holes have also been created by unique situations where part of the land included in an annexation petition was sold prior to approval.

Town of Bluffton Director of Communications Debbie Szpanka emphasizes the importance of continuous community education and the town’s commitment to it.

Szpanka explains they are committed to respecting the voluntary spirit and intent of the rules.

“We can’t just go and fill in holes,” she said. She added that residents must come to them about annexation as town officials are not allowed to approach residents about it.

“We can educate, but we cannot persuade.”

“We educate and educate and when we’re done with that, we educate some more,” she said.

She explained this continuous education is necessary in part because new people are coming in from other states where the rules may have been different.
“We help people understand the game so they can play the game. We help them understand the parameters,” Szpanka said. She explained that this education alleviates confusion and frustration and allows everyone to stay empowered and engaged.

Concerns about these landlocked unincorporated areas and about the current annexation procedure have been brought up by the Municipal Association of South Carolina, which presents on its website arguments in favor of involuntary annexation becoming an option for municipalities. They cite overlapping jurisdictions, possible duplication or inefficiency of services, enclave residents receiving services paid for by town residents, and complications for town planning among their concerns. Locally, a combination of county, township, and municipality resources provide services to residents of Bluffton proper and the unincorporated enclaves.

According to State of South Carolina legislation tracking resources, bills proposing an involuntary annexation option have been introduced in recent years. Szpanka said Bluffton officials are aware that these ideas come up periodically, but added they have a history of failing to advance.
Meanwhile, Bluffton continues to follow the current policy as they have done for years. “It’s never been a top shelf issue,” Szpanka said.

The annexation procedure has features to allow all sides to have ways of determining the outcome. There are three ways annexation can be requested. One way is for one hundred percent of the residents to sign a petition.

Annexation can also be applied for by a group of residents owning 75 percent of the property. A third way is for 25 percent of the residents to petition for an election to request annexation. The property involved in the annexation application must have a border with the town.

The town ultimately approves or denies the annexation request and Szpanka explains they take multiple factors into consideration. “We do a cost benefit analysis. Will it require extra projects? Does it need a lot of work? What are its liabilities? How is it an asset?”

There are other factors as well. The town approved the annexation of the Buck Island-Simmonsville property, adding sewer infrastructure, protecting the environment, and helping preserve one of Beaufort County’s oldest neighborhoods.

The Town of Bluffton website provides resources to help residents old and new to get the most out of living in the Bluffton area. They have a digital copy of the Resident’s Resource Guide with information about annexation and a wide variety of other topics. There is also a map available to determine if you are living in Bluffton or in one of those doughnut holes.

Channing Heiss is a freelance writer and a member of the Beaufort County disAbilities Coalition.