City set to provide services to Monkey Junction | News

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) – For now, Monkey Junction is a part of the City of Wilmington, according to Mayor Bill Saffo.

"Our obligation is to meet whatever the law says," said Saffo.

The mayor said his decision is based on a recent ruling by a Superior Court Judge that found it unconstitutional for homeowners to stop forced annexation by a petition process.

Wilmington City Council asked the city manager to take the necessary steps for providing Monkey Junction with city services. A spokesperson for the city said Tuesday that all departments are working toward that goal, but it won't be an overnight change.

The process requires communication from both Wilmington and New Hanover County governments.

Patrol Captains with New Hanover County Sheriff's Office and Wilmington Police Department will coordinate among themselves to provide a smooth transition, according to Sergeant Jerry Brewer with the Sheriff's Office.

"There will be a zero percent lack of coverage in either the city or county," said Brewer.

Fire response is different, in that it is remaining the same. City and county fire have a mutual aid agreement, and Wilmington already sends trucks to fires in Monkey Junction, according to David Hines with WFD.

Hines said both agencies will wait on a possible appeal to the recent decision before making any major changes.

"If it stays in place, then we'll do what we need to do," said Hines.

Both fire chiefs have decided to wait before making changes to the 911 CAD system, according to Hines.

A spokesperson for the county said both governments are working together through this process. It is not expected to negatively affect their current relationship.

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