City of Hattiesburg officially files for annexation, lawyer speaks

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The city of Hattiesburg is moving right along with its annexation plans.

Officials took the next step by formally filing in both Lamar and Forrest County Chancery Courts.

The ordinance would allow the city to annex three locations in the both counties: the commercial corrirdor on U.S. Highway 98, parts of U.S. Highway North 49, and the Windlass Drive area.

The city's attorney John Scanlon said by law the city has to advertise of its plan to inform residents and will do so soon.

Scanlon also said he wants to consolidate both petitions by one action for a smoother process.

"We will ask permission once a judge is assigned to both cases" said Scanlon.

A hearing date will be issued within the next 2 to 3 months for all parties to voice their support or concerns regarding the petition.