ST. PAULS — About a dozen people attended a public hearing Thursday night on an involuntary annexation by St. Pauls, with four people speaking, but only one expressing opposition.

The planned annexation would include 161 people and 62 residences in the area of Armfield and Broad streets, and 80 people and 31 residences in the Alford Road and Gillespie Street area. It would take effect Jan. 1, 2011.

"Towns that don't grow will die out," Town Administrator Stuart Turille told the residents.

Turille explained that a meeting was held Oct. 29 to go over the anticipated costs and savings to property owners in the affected areas, and the purpose of Thursday's hearing was to "answer your further questions. Whatever's on your mind — let us know."

Gale Matthews, who lives in the affected area on May Street, was adamant about her desire to live outside the town. The annexation would mean higher taxes for services she said she doesn't need or want.

"The only benefit I see is I'll get a green garbage can," she told the board.

Matthews estimated the annexation would mean another $400 a year out of her pocketbook.

"I don't need trash pickup," she said, adding that she recently had a new sewer line built, and she dug a new well for water.

"We just don't see the benefit," Matthews said. "We're not lacking for anything."

Turille said that the benefits of municipal services provided those annexed far exceed any property tax increases. He said the new residents would receive fire and police protection, emergency service, and street maintenance.

The annexed property owners would have to pay town property taxes — currently set at 60 cents per $100 of property valuation — but would no longer have to pay the Big Marsh Fire District tax of 10 cents per $100 of valuation.

Homeowners insurance would cost less, Turille said, because the town's fire rating is better than the Big Marsh Fire Department’s.

Turille also said residents being annexed would no longer have to pay the $30 a year Solid Waste collection fee to the county. The town provides curbside trash collection for $14 a month.

"We really believe we're offering better quality services than the county," Turille said.

But Matthews was unconvinced.

"You think you're helping us — you're not helping us," she said.

She said she enjoys living in "the suburbs" and having the option of owning chickens and other animals if she wants.

"I don't want the city to tell me what I can and cannot have," she said.

Jimmy Robinson told the board he was there to represent East Side Property Owners Group. East Side is included in the Alford Road and Gillespie Street area.

"What kind of partnership will we have with the town?" he said.

Robinson said East Side is in dire need of money to repair and remodel homes.

A woman who lives on Alford Road said the roadway is in bad shape and wondered if it would be repaired if the annexation were approved.

Turille said repairs would be handled by the town's Public Works Department, and that the roadway would be maintained.

North Carolina is one of fewer than a half dozen states that allow municipalities to expand without the approval of property owners. State law sets out the specific process that must be followed, requiring a municipality to pass a resolution of intent, adopt an annexation report, and hold a public meeting.

The town has 10 to 90 days after the public meeting to enact an annexation ordinance. Final annexation must take effect no sooner than one year after the ordinance is adopted.

In other action Thursday, the board:

— Approved the purchase of communications equipment for the Public Works Department for $6,386.

— Approved once-a-month, back-door pick-up of plastic recycling items for the elderly and disabled.

— Approved a request from Larry McGougan of the Downtown Development Council to pay the expenses for a college architectural student willing to design a redevelopment plan for the town. The town board also agreed to have the three members of its Economic Development Committee take part in meetings of the Downtown Development Council as it works on a revitalization plan.