The Southside community just south of Batesville has been granted a request to incorporate as a city as some residents oppose a proposal that it be annexed into the city of Batesville.
Independence County Judge Robert Griffin on Friday approved the incorporation request by the group Keep Southside Free From Annexation.
Arkansas Municipal League attorney Mark Hayes - representing Batesville - said the decision will be appealed.
Brandon Gay - an organizer of the group opposed to the proposed annexation - said he expects to appeal if future rulings go against his group.
The anti-annexation group filed a petition of incorporation on Sept. 22 after the Batesville City Council voted 5-2 on Aug. 25 to put the question of annexing the community on the Nov. 4 ballot.
