City Council proposes streamlined annexation process amid traffic fee assessments

The Georgetown City Council meeting on June 10, 2025, focused on key discussions regarding annexation processes and the Blue Hole Park master plan update.

City officials addressed the complexities surrounding the annexation of land, particularly the need for a streamlined process to ensure that new areas contribute fairly to city services. A consultant has been engaged to assist in revising the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) regulations, especially for areas located more than 10 miles from the city. The goal is to draft language that simplifies annexations while ensuring that new developments pay their impact fees, which are essential for funding city services.

The council discussed how annexations would work in relation to service areas, clarifying that new parcels would be assigned to existing service areas, allowing for the collection of fees based on identified projects in those areas. This approach aims to ensure that all annexed properties contribute to the infrastructure they utilize.

In addition to annexation discussions, the meeting included an update on the Blue Hole Park master plan. Parks and Recreation Director Kimberly Garrett and project manager Aaron Cooper presented the current status of the redevelopment plan, which aims to enhance the park's facilities and programming. They shared feedback from a recent community survey and outlined the next steps in finalizing the master plan.

The council plans to collaborate with the Planning and Zoning Commission to further refine the annexation process and the Blue Hole Park project. Future meetings will include discussions on proposed fees and the adoption of necessary ordinances, ensuring that community input continues to shape these important initiatives.