To annex or not to annex?

That could be the only question on a special ballot for owners of 16 pieces of property in the Mason subdivision, if the Andalusia City Council approves a proposed resolution to bring the property into the city limits.

Seventeen property owners in the subdivision, located off County Road 101 (Midway Drive/Albritton Road), signed a petition asking to be annexed into the city. State law requires that more than 60 percent of the property owners make the request.

But there are seven blank lines on the petition.

Cody Carter, Joseph Thomas Reeves, Joshua Hilburn, Ben R. Mason, Donald Keith Wiggins, Cleve E. Dowdy, Debra P. Dowdy, Jerome W. Parker, Martha W. Parker, Albert Wayne Knox, Jo Ann Knox, Dannie Hughes, Gayle Hughes, Tommy D. Wright, Anne O. Wright, Michael Patterson, Ann Patterson and Robert H. Theus Jr. each signed the petition requesting to be annexed. All are residents of Benvalen Avenue.

Among the reasons cited was better fire protection and consequently, better insurance rates, council members were told.

If the council approves the resolution, Probate Judge Ben Bowden will be required to conduct a vote among property owners.

In unreleated matters, the council:

• Abated property at 201 Pear St. and an empty lot on Pear Street for weeds. Reports filed by Harvey Peacock, code compliance officer, state that the weeds constitute a fire hazard when dry; are noxious or dangerous; and constitute a public nuisance.

• Reappointed Barbara Nichols and Pat Palmore to the Tourism and Relocation committee.

• Reappointed Sylvia Johnson and Norma Riley to the Community Enhancement Committee.

• Set fees for property abatement done at 605 East Three Notch St. at $371.26. The charges were for removing limbs at the property, plus the costs of abatement, including fees, signs and a filing fee.