NC communities consider resolution opposing state takeover of infrastructure

A dozen North Carolina cities and towns within the last few weeks have passed, considered or scheduled votes to approve the nonpartisan NC League of Municipalities resolution against "forced taking" of municipal infrastructure by the state.

The resolutions are in response to a N.C. House bill proposed by Rep Tim Moffitt (R, Buncombe) forcing a state takeover of the Asheville water system, transferring it to a regional water authority created and ultimately controlled by the legislature. Asheville passed its resolution December 11, after 86 percent of voters rejected the takeover in a November referendum. An online petition opposing the move has collected 1,500 signatures in under a week. All other communities listed but Concord are a fraction of Asheville's size. You wonder why they feel vulnerable? The NC League of Municipalities resolution states, in part,

... forced taking of any local government infrastructure because such taking sets a dangerous precedent that will have a chilling effect on any local government investing in needed infrastructure in the future, thereby endangering business opportunities and economic stability in the State and resulting in job losses for our citizens here and across the State.

Hendersonville's city council postponed its resolution vote on January 3 after Rep. Chuck McGrady (R, Henderson, author of the "takings" bill) warned that a passing resolution would “not be helpful for Hendersonville.”

Not all cities post the results of their votes, but here are the links to cities that have or will consider opposing the “forced taking” legislation.

Monteat
UPDATE: ISSUE TABLED JAN 10

Smithfield
UPDATE: PASSED JAN 3

Albemarle
UPDATE: PASSED JAN 7

Goldsboro
UPDATE: PASSED JAN 7 [timestamp 20:10]

Rutherford College
PASSED JAN 7

Franklin
PASSED JAN 8

Seven Devils
UPDATE: PASSED JAN 8

Conover
PASSED THIS WEEK

Concord
UPDATE: PASSED JAN 11

Carrboro
Scheduled JAN 15