May 27, 1998
City testing waters of annexation - again
By Jodi Billerman
Staff Writer
The City of Tiffin is again - or is still - looking to expand its borders.
Mayor Bernie Hohman's office has sent letters to a number of residents in the Autumnwood Care Center neighborhood informing them that a representative of the city will be contacting them shortly.
A copy of one letter was faxed anonymously to The Advertiser-Tribune.
Dated May 18, the letter reads, ''... the city of Tiffin is now proceeding with annexation discussions in your area. Perhaps you have heard, or read by now, that the City believes that urban areas around the city deserve to be part of our municipal community. We have asked Mr. Joe Granata to explain to you the many advantages of joining the City of Tiffin family ... Mr. Granata has the necessary petitions for annexation and will be contacting you soon regarding your preference.''
Furthermore, the letter says, ''Many statements have been made recently relative to annexation of property surrounding Tiffin. We know that there may have been personal and emotional comments made during these discussions, on both sides. We hope to cool the heated talk, and just present to you what we feel are major benefits to you in joining our Tiffin community.''
Contacted Tuesday, Hohman said annexation in the Autumnwood area at the east edge of the city is nothing new. ''It's been discussed for several years. We just never got around to doing it.''
The city is just gauging interest, Hohman explained.
''A councilman mentioned that there were some people out there who were interested. It's part of an area we talked about quite a while ago,'' Hohman said.
''It's not any part of a big movement, but it's something that needs investigating.''
A former councilman, Granata has worked for the city before, gathering opinions in areas considered for annexation.
But he is not pushing annexation.
''I'm not out there drumming for annexation. I'm just out there getting the information the city needs to make decisions,'' Granata said.
He is to talk with residents and will answer any questions they may have about the ramifications of possible annexation.
He said, ''It'll be interesting seeing what the response is.''