PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WYMT) - City officials in Prestonsburg are once again looking at annexing property around the city.

City council members say nothing is official, but their plans would include Highlands Regional Medical Center.

It is not the first time city officials have discussed annexation.

"Every city's goal is to try to grow and increase the benefits to the surrounding areas," said Councilman B.D. Nunnery.

This time it includes a bigger area, extending from the entrance to Stonecrest Golf Course to the Johnson County line, but not including Auxier.

"The residents and the businesses down through there would benefit from our different services we have to offer--police, fire," said Councilman Don Willis.

They say the benefits largely outweigh any downsides.

"There's a small increase in taxes, but that is more than offset by the savings that you would receive including savings on your utilities. Generally you're going to see savings on your insurance rates. Simple things you just don't think about, you know snow removal in the winter, garbage pickup, unscheduled garbage pickup," said Nunnery.

But they say they want to leave the decision to those who would be affected.

"Put it on a ballot and let the people decide if they want to be involved in this city or not," said Willis.

They say any formal decision on the annexation is still a while down the road.

The council plans to hold a town hall meeting January 28 to give people in those areas a chance to share their opinions.