Commissioners reluctantly approve Bethel annexation

Urges citizens to fight, advocate for state law changes

The proposed annexation of 296.236 acres in Bethel Township to Huber Heights was approved “reluctantly” Feb. 22 by Miami County commissioners.

The commissioners and township residents urged continued fights against this annexation and advocating with state legislators’ changes in Ohio annexation laws. The annexation petition next will go to the Huber Heights City Council.

The petition was filed on behalf of GLJ Holding Co. and 204.215 acres; Gary Lavy and 56.153 acres; and Carol Marchelletto and 35.867 acres. The land lies off U.S. 40 near the Carriage Trails development.

The vote followed a Wednesday meeting by the Miami County commissioners with an annexation lawyer during which commissioners were told denying the annexation would be futile.

The 2nd District Court of Appeals ordered the commission in 2022 to approve a previous 260.360-acre annexation request in the same area, ruling there was no legal reason for commissioners to deny it. The Huber Heights council did not vote on that petition within legal time limits.

"The board is profoundly disappointed and concerned with the inaction of the State of Ohio and its legislative representatives to preserve the rights of township residents impacted by Expedited Type 2 annexations (such as the 296.236 acres),” the commissioners said in a written statement. “The impact of these annexations on utility infrastructure and the county’s exemplary school systems is profound.”

Commissioner Wade Westfall said the commission again will encourage the Ohio General Assembly “to have a robust discussion” about annexations that affect local residents and their transportation, schools and other services.

Commissioner Ted Mercer said he believes in property owner rights as well as in people’s rights. “An expedited two annexation does not allow the people in the proposed annexed area to have a voice in the decision. This needs to change,” he said.

The commission said it was calling for the following action:

- Encouraging Miami County residents to attend the next Huber Heights council meeting to express concerns about annexation.

- Contact legislators across the state to encourage annexation law reform.

The Bethel Township trustee voted recently against the annexation. Township resident Lora Furderer said more must be done to support change in annexation laws. A group of Huber Heights residents is looking at a possible referendum of the annexation, should it be approved by the Huber Heights council, she said.