A resolution supporting a proposed annexation of the area surrounding Southwest 20th Avenue passed unanimously at Tuesday night's Student Senate meeting.
The area is not considered part of Gainesville, but district residents will be able to vote on officially integrating themselves into the city on Nov. 4. The Senate's resolution will not take action but will express the Senate's support for the move.
In her presentation, Senate President Kellie Dale said the annexation would be a positive change because the area is heavily populated by students. Because residents do not have representation in city government, they have no input on issues such as bus services, utilities costs or roam towing. They also pay surcharges, fees tacked on to the Gainesville Regional Utilities bills for those living outside city limits.
Although residents in the area receive city-supplied services, they have no power to change them, said Dale, who lives in the district and represents it in the Senate.
If the annexation is approved, property taxes are expected to increase, but a sharper decrease in utility charges will balance out, if not improve, any change in billing, she said.
Sen. Eric Wolf, one of the resolution's sponsors, said incorporating the district would give students living there a voice.
"As for the monetary benefit, I think that it's there," Wolf said. "I think that it's the icing on the cake, compared to the benefit of enfranchising students."
