No progress on de-annexation compromise, mayor says

SUMMERFIELD – In a letter released May 17, Summerfield Mayor Tim Sessoms said that rather than working toward a compromise with the town, David Couch seems intent on pushing for legislation that will allow him to de-annex nearly 1,000 acres he owns. The following is the letter Sessoms wrote this week to update the community on the status of Couch’s de-annexation efforts:

“Despite the town’s considerable efforts, no progress has been accomplished in terms of moving closer to a compromise with Couch. The town wants to avoid de-annexation, but meeting in the middle requires him at the table and that’s been the struggle. It’s obvious the Couch team is confident they have the political capital to push the de-annexation through and see no value in meeting. Council, our lobbyists, and attorneys continue to communicate Summerfield’s desire to talk details and the latest effort is trying to get Senator Berger to push for the same.

“Representatives met with Couch’s team on March 23 and followed up with a letter on April 5 outlining some initial concessions. Couch’s April 17 response was unfortunately critical of our efforts, minimized our offerings, and showed no interest in meeting or seeking common ground. Nevertheless, Council delivered a letter on April 27 to his attorneys, again seeking a path for timely discussions toward a compromise. We encouraged their side to respond prior to Council’s May 9 evening meeting so officials could discuss details in closed session.

“Couch’s response came late the afternoon of our meeting and instead of moving closer to compromise, it offered no hint of willingness to talk. The intent is clear – they are posturing for Sen. Berger to push the General Assembly toward de-annexation. Our communication to Berger this week is that we’ve tried to broker a compromise, but the town won’t negotiate against itself and Couch needs to earnestly engage. Staff is on standby to prepare a revised text amendment, which would include compromises already communicated to Couch’s team. We’ll know soon if there’s any movement or desire to meet with our leadership and hammer out UDO and project parameters that remain obstacles.

“Summerfield and our neighbors maintain that a legislative de-annexation of nearly 1,000 acres would have wide-ranging negative implications across our state. These aren’t perimeter properties – they’re in the heart of our town. I’ve urged Senator Berger to use his political capital to impress upon Couch the town’s desire to reach a compromise solution. We will keep our residents updated as there’s more to share.”

The letter was signed, “Mayor Tim.”

In a text earlier this week, Couch said that “out of respect for all involved, I’m not going to speak publicly about the status right now.”

In recent weeks, we’ve reached out to Kelli Collins, chief operating officer of Diagnostic Radiology and Imaging