The new Comprehensive Plan for the City of Independence has been approved by the City Commission, but residents along US-160 east of the city still have concerns about annexation.

 

 Over the past few weeks, the issue has made its way from social media to the Independence Planning Commission and then onto the Independence City Commission before winding up before the Montgomery County Commission at this week's meeting.

 

Despite assurances from city officials that Independence has no plans to annex the areas between the current city limits and the Bartlett Plant, residents once again voiced their concerns to the county. County commissioner Robert Bever told those at the meeting that Independence would need the county's approval for annexation and that the Montgomery County would not approve. Bever says he has no concerns about it.

 

Each of the three commissioners said they had attended at least one of the previous meetings held by the city. Commissioner Larry McManus says, once rumors begin to spread, they are difficult to stop.

 

Commissioners McManus, Cordray, and Bever all affirmed that they opposed any annexation.