On August 27, 2008, the City of Southport, North Carolina entered into an agreement with Progress Energy, a major North Carolina corporation that supplies electric power throughout much of the state. In the agreement, Southport has essentially bribed Progress Energy into agreeing to dividing out (parceling) a small 7 acre tract of land that would then be vulnerable to involuntary annexation. In exchange, Southport is agreeing, and is seeking ratification of the agreement in the state legislature, to NOT annex any other property of Progress Energy in Brunswick County for SIXTY-FIVE years. This is paramount to a property tax exemption for 65 years!

This agreement is not necessary as the state has within its powers to annex the same tract of land without making concessions, or bribing, Progress Energy.

Please see these first two documents:

1. Agreement between Progress Energy (CP&L) and Southport
    To circumvent the annexation standards spelled out in statute, Southport is agreeing to pay for the subdivision of Progress Energy land, annexing the smaller portion, then, after the annexation is complete, paying to recombine the lots to their original plat...only a little trickery on the part of Southport.

2. Three citizens effected by the agreement (1 Mb)

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2008 Forced Annexation report indicating this is a FORCED annexation procedure

Bill submitted by Senator Soles that facilitates this annexation

Supplemental documents to report (5 Mb)

Holland Consulting Frequently Asked Questions
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