SB 979 - This act provides that the city of Springfield may annex areas within six miles of the city limits and within the designated urban service area as authorized by an ordinance of the city upon a notarized petition requesting such annexation by the landowners in the annexed area. Additionally, the fire protection district shall continue to collect taxes during the year the area is annexed. After the year the area is annexed, Springfield shall collect the taxes on any taxable property annexed by the city and pay a fee to the fire protection district on a diminishing basis over the next five years as provided in the act. MARY GRACE PRINGLE