Two Weld County residents addressed commissioners on Sept. 3 to oppose a proposed annexation and industrial rezoning in the vicinity of County Road 51 near Kingsburg.

John Grimes, identified at the meeting as a resident of 6022 Weld County Road 51, said a landowner who lives outside the area is requesting annexation into the town of Hudson and rezoning the parcel from agricultural to industrial. Grimes said the parcel abuts his property and he opposes the annexation and rezoning because it would extend municipal development east of County Road 51 toward Kingsburg.

Neighbor Matt Brainard, who gave a County Road 51 address, told commissioners the change would take farmed land out of agricultural use and asked that Commissioner Lynette Peppler attend Hudson’s public hearing. Commissioners responded that municipal annexation is governed by state law and is an agreement between a property owner and the municipality; Commissioner Kevin Ross and Commissioner Jason Maxey advised residents to raise their concerns at the Hudson public hearing and in writing to Hudson officials. Maxey said county staff had advised the board that the county has limited authority to stop municipal annexations under state statute.

Discussion versus action: Residents’ comments were made during the public-comment period. The board did not take formal action to oppose or intervene in the matter; commissioners reiterated that the town of Hudson holds the hearing and that residents should present testimony there.

Clarifications: Grimes said the annexation hearing in Hudson was scheduled for the following Wednesday and that the parcel lies inside an intergovernmental agreement area (IGA) involving Weld County and Kingsburg. Commissioners encouraged the resident to attend Hudson’s meeting and to submit written comments.

What to watch next: Residents planning to oppose annexation should attend Hudson’s public hearing and submit written comments to the town; any formal request from Hudson or a court filing that involves county jurisdiction would be brought to the board’s attention if filed.