1976: Caterpillar asks to annex into Davenport

Jan. 21, 1976: Eldridge officials were caught off guard when Caterpillar executives announced they had filed for voluntary annexation into Davenport for the Mount Joy plant. Eldridge and Davenport city officials had signed a 10-year moratorium on annexation in 1966, and the Caterpillar request seemed to herald an end to that agreement. Eldridge said it was cautiously proceeding to determine the city’s options, which could include a legal challenge. It was estimated that the Eldridge Fire Department could lose 50% of its tax base if the annexation was approved, and there were plenty of other uncertainties for the city. However, company officials said the North Scott School District would not be impacted, since the plant was entirely within the boundaries of the district.