POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY — A pair of meetings are planned next week that could shape the future for residents living in the southwest portion of Pottawatomie County.
With about 4,000 residents living in the growing Green Valley area east of Manhattan, residents are increasingly more in need of public services such as law enforcement, ambulance, road construction and maintenance. All of the services currently are financed by the county at-large. Assistant Planner/Zoning Enforcement Officer Stephan Metzger says it’s apparent the county should play less of a role in governing those services.
Earlier this month, a lawyer hired by the Pottawatomie County Commission recommended the area incorporate into their own city versus annexing into a nearby community — with Manhattan being the most likely option, given its proximity. Metzger says they want to hear from those residents about the kind of local control they hope to have moving forward.
The town hall meeting is planned for 6 p.m. Feb. 5 at the National Guard Armory on Levee Drive. Pottawatomie County officials also plan to hold an open house at 6 p.m. Monday at Westmoreland Elementary to discuss the Pottawatomie County Comprehensive Plan.
