Barring a referendum or last-minute change of mind, the last step in annexing nearly 500 acres of land along North Valley Drive will happen Monday night.

The Rapid City council is scheduled to give final approval at its 7 p.m. meeting to an involuntary annexation of land on the city's east side that is outside, yet encircled by, the city limits. The annexation is on the council's consent agenda of items scheduled for automatic approval unless someone asks to pull an item for more debate.

So far, the council has shown no inclination to change course on the issue.

On May 5, the council approved a resolution of intent to annex land along North Valley Drive north of S.D. Highway 44 that has been described as a "doughnut hole" surrounded by the city limits. People who live in the affected area submitted a petition signed by 35 people opposing the annexation. Most don't believe annexation will be a benefit or an improvement in services they already receive from Pennington County.

The county signed off on the city's plan May 20. State law required county approval because some of the property in the annexation area is unplatted.

Annexation benefits cited by city officials include voting in city elections, city fire and police protection - which could mean reduced insurance rates - street and streetlight maintenance, snow plowing, city trash pickup upon request, less taxes on ag land, and although property taxes on owner-occupied homes may be 3 percent to 4 percent higher, the increase may be offset by a reduction in county taxes residents currently pay.

The city invited North Valley Drive residents to a public meeting earlier this year to gauge interest in voluntary annexation. But only two of 85 property owners were interested. The city's annexation subcommittee recommended involuntary annexation, and the city council concurred in March.

In addition to North Valley Drive, the city put South Valley Drive, School Drive and the Pioneer Drive areas on the city's list of short-term annexation goals.

If the council approves, the North Valley Drive annexation becomes effective 20 days after the meeting minutes are published in the newspaper.

However, the council's decision can be referred to a public vote if petitions signed by 5 percent of registered voters within the city and the proposed annexation area are submitted to the city within the 20-day period.

If an election occurs, all registered voters in the city and in the proposed annexation area would be eligible to vote on the issue.

The council meets Monday, June 16, at 7 p.m. at the City/School Administration Center, 300 Sixth St.

Contact Scott Aust at 394-8415 or scott.aust@rapidcityjournal.com