City of Knoxville vs. Disc Exchange over annexation

City of Knoxville vs. Disc Exchange over annexation

January 18, 2006

By TIM MILLER
6 News Anchor/Reporter

KNOXVILLE (WATE) -- It's the case of a small business versus the city of Knoxville. The Disc Exchange has lost its latest attempt at fighting annexation into the city.

The property in question is the store in West Knoxville at 8426 Kingston Pike. It's outside the city limits, between South Gallaher View Road and Walker Springs.

For the past 16 years or so, the city has tried to annex the property but store owner Alan Miller has been fighting it.

Miller, who also has the Chapman Highway Disc Exchange in the city, says there's no difference in the services he receives, such as water, sewer and police and fire protection.

Miller doesn't think he should pay more taxes for the same level of service. That's why he's been fighting the annexation in court.

A previous ruling in Knox County chancery court blocked the annexation. But this week in a ruling, the state court of appeals decided the city has the right to annex the property since it is surrounded by the city, and the health and safety of people working or shopping there could be improved by city services.

Alan Miller told 6 News chances are good he will appeal the latest ruling to the state Supreme Court.

Miller also says if they are forced into the city and his taxes go up, he may have to let some workers go or cut back on the employee health insurance plan.