Salem inks pact on where to stop western annexations

SALEM — Future annexations won't be able to encroach on neighboring Payson's territory for the next 25 years.

The Salem City Council authorized an agreement Wednesday not to allow landowners to annex into the city to the west past approximately 1800 West, a county address. The street doesn't exist, but the City Council agreed with Payson officials to avoid annexations midway between 1700 West and 1900 West.

The Salem western city boundary now goes to 1600 West, and Payson's city limits begin about 2300 West, said Salem City Recorder Jeff Nielsen.

Payson officials asked for the agreement, Nielsen said, because the influence of either city overlapped by up to three blocks.

— Rodger L. Hardy