 The city of Bemidji is preparing to bring 60 acres of land into city limits. Council members voted Monday to bring the site of the new Jean Dillon Elementary School into the city. The Grand Valley Township Board proved the measure tonight and the school property will officially become part of the city in the next few weeks. City staff was originally planning on annexing the four properties on the north side of Division Street along with the school, but that option was put on hold due to concerns from property owners. They didn't like the dollar mounts, they didn't like the storm water fees and everything else, so it was brought up of what can we do or can we go on a five-year plan or what were our options and the city came back with the option of leaving them off and just taking the school. While the city is not annexing the four properties at this time, the city could do so in the future. For those who live and work along County Road 7, some say they are breathing a sigh of relief but are expecting to have to join the city eventually. When we got down to the numbers, it was going to add about $4,000 a year in tax that we would have to make back in sales, obviously, so it is a huge relief. I don't think it's a forever thing, but it definitely, it is nice to have some time to plan. Bemidji City Manager Nate Matthews told Lakeland News that the city could still annex the properties along County Road 7. If you enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland PBS.