From the Eastman Archive at UC Davis
City Unification Steps Outlined
Need Ordinance for Annexation
April 8, 1947
According to the City Attorney J. A. Nutting, the next step in unification of Susanville, following the vote in favor last Tuesday by a majority of 2 to 1, is the canvassing of votes at the first stated meeting of the city council, which is May 5th.
The council is scheduled to approve the petition for annexation, or unification, by passing an ordinance to that effect. This will then be sent to the attorney general’s office in Sacramento and when returned with his approval as to its legality. Susanville will be an enlarged incorporated city of 7,500 population.
The Susanville city fire department will then serve all of greater Susanville. The city police department will broaden its protective area to embrace the entire city.
The next city election is scheduled for April 1948. The city council would have to call a special election if this were to be changed. A special election would also be necessary to approve dividing the city into wards for representation on the council by specific areas. Otherwise councilmen will be elected at large from the entire area.
Emphasizing the extensive planning that the enlarged city will require, Mayor Jim E. Bronson recommended absorbing added expenses as they are made, instead of jumping into heavy expense and bonded indebtedness.
This is the second effort for city unification of Susanville in recent years. The project was defeated Feb. 17, 1940 by a ballot of 421 to 218.
