What is this about?
Silver Oaks has an opportunity to join the City of Jeffersontown. This is called annexation. There are many things to consider as a homeowner, and it is important that everyone understands what is being considered, and how it affects you and your family
POLICE
Silver Oaks is currently part of LMPD's 7th division. It is the largest by geographic size in all of Louisville. While we don't have as serious of crimes of other divisions, it is generally accepted that under Jeffersontown Police, response times, patrol frequency, and directed patrols would improve. Many officers who live in the neighborhood support the move to Jeffersontown.SNOW REMOVAL
Snow removal is currently the responsibility of the HOA. Depending on the number of storms, 7-20k is spent on road treatment each year. If we joined Jeffersontown, this responsibility would transition to public works, and be included in your property taxes. It is expected this would reduce the HOA fees.
GARBAGE SERVICE
As residents of Silver Oaks, we currently use private trash service. If we joined Jeffersontown, this is included by the city and is part of your property taxes.
Financial Considerations
It is important to understand the financial impact of becoming part of Jeffersontown. Please consult a financial advisor, attorney, and/or tax consultant for accurate imformation.
Example
| Current Expense | Cost | Future Expense | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current Homeowner cost | $434 | Homeowner cost as part of Jeffersontown(note-does not include 1% occupational tax if you have a home business) | $510.25 |
| Current HOA Fee | $220 | Future HOA Fee (landscaping, insurance, etc) | $160 |
| Garbage collection | $212 | Garbage collection | $0 |
| Jeffersontown taxes | $0 | Jeffersontown taxes (based on $250k home at $.1401 per $100 assessed value | $350.25 |
This should only be considered as an example of cost changes. Exact property taxes are based on each home's assessed value, and HOA fee changes are not finalized.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this affect the HOA?
In short, it doesn't. Silver Oaks is a deed-restricted community. The association would continue to be run by a volunteer board, and homeowners would be members of the association. Like other HOAs in Jeffersontown, such as Monticello Place, Saratoga Woods, and others, we would continue to be responsible for our association owned property (common areas), DCCR enforcement, and neighbor representation.
What would we lose?
Nothing
What would we gain?
Access to Jeffersontown Parks. Improved Police and EMS response times. House watch. A smaller "hometown".
What would change?
- Law enforcement would change to Jeffersontown (similar to St Matthews, Prospect, Hurstbourne).
- EMS would change to Jeffersontown EMS.
- Jeffersontown property taxes would be ADDED to your yearly property tax.
- Garbage would be picked up by Jeffersontown.
- Snow removal becomes the responsibility of Jeffersontown Public Works.
How did this start and who was involved?
After a discussion at the neigborhood meeting in 2016, a group of volunteers began looking at the option of annexation. This group currently contains 9 members, and represented a cross-section of our neighborhood (new, old, for, against).
What is the history of annexation and Metro?
This is a long one that goes back to the formation of what is now considered "metro". Around 2000, metro was extended to the county lines. You may remember the two police departments. Here's an article that touches on some of the history:
What is the process to be annexed?
First, we must ask Jeffersontown's city council to consider. We need a petition from all neighbors that the HOA board would present to the City council to formally request annexation. The legal process then begins with multiple Jeffersontown City council votes, then Metro council vote, and back to Jeffersontown.
What would Jeffersontown need to see?
Obviously, a strong desire from neighbors to want to join. We are expecting about 95% of neighbors would need to be in favor of annexation for the council to consider a request.
How would Metro Council react?
Metro's reaction to annexation has been mixed. It is expected our district council representative would support, while the full council may indicate some additional concerns.
What is the next step?
Review at the neighborhood meeting. If support appears positive, start the process for gathering signatures through a door-to-door process.