Charleston warns James Island little time to annex

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — The City of Charleston is warning James Island residents they are running out of time if they want to join the city.

James Island has tried to incorporate three times and each time the move was blocked after Charleston sued.

A fourth vote is planned and Charleston says James Island would be smaller and there may not be a challenge. In a letter being sent to islanders, Charleston says folks want to be part of the city should request annexation now.

Charleston says if James Island incorporates and there is no challenge, those residents will remain in the town forever. The letter says a town could mean higher taxes for police protection and questions whether the town has a large enough tax base.