The Feasibility of Annexation: A Cost-Revenue Approach for Bowling Green, Kentucky

Authors

Jeanne M. Dibble

Publication Date

5-1974

Advisor(s) - Committee Chair

Wayne Hoffman, James Davis, James Bingham

Degree Program

Department of Geography and Geology

Degree Type

Master of Science

Abstract

The United States is becoming a country of urban dwellers. Much of this urbanization is occurring outside of the legal city in what is called the urban fringe. Among the solutions advanced to deal with the problems of urban sprawl is the annexation of such areas by the central city. Before annexation can become a reality, its feasibility from a cost-revenue approach must be assessed. This was accomplished by dividing the urban fringe of Bowling Green, Kentucky, into nine study areas and investigating the costs incurred by the city for the provision of services associated with annexation as compared to the expected revenues to be obtained from these sections. Costs were derived by analyzing the expenditures for each city service. This was done by examining the past budgets for each department. The analysis was accomplished by translating municipal services into measurable units of activity and determining the actual expenditure per unit or performance for each activity. The services analyzed were fire and police protection, the transportation system, and general government. The expected revenue from the annexation units was obtained for four major sources -- fines and forfeitures, and personal, property, and occupational taxes. The two components, costs and revenues, were compared. This resulted in a net surplus or deficit for the provision of services to each sector after annexation. Among the conclusions reached in this study is that the cost-revenue concept is an important aspect of annexation, but should not be the only consideration. The fringe residents' tie to the city and the threat of small scale incorporation are among the questions which should be answered before any annexation is instituted.

Disciplines

Demography, Population, and Ecology | Geography | Human Geography | Urban Studies and Planning

Recommended Citation

Dibble, Jeanne M., "The Feasibility of Annexation: A Cost-Revenue Approach for Bowling Green, Kentucky" (1974). Masters Theses & Specialist Projects. Paper 1339.
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/1339