Council approves voluntary annexation of Mary Greeley parcels but not a nonconsent taking

The Ames City Council on Aug. 5 considered a request from Mary Greeley (Iowa State Research Park-related parcels) to annex four parcels south of city limits. Planning staff recommended approval of the voluntary annexation and noted the parcels’ future land-use alignment with the Research Park and employment uses. Staff told council Washington Township trustees had submitted a letter opposing annexation and that the township’s concerns were limited by statute to effects on rural-fire funding and cemetery duties. The staff report confirmed that parcel land-use was designated for employment/research-park purposes and that planning and zoning recommended approval. One property owner who would be directly affected spoke against annexation, describing personal and financial concerns and asserting he did not want city taxes or code requirements. He said he had declined Iowa State offers and would prefer to remain under county jurisdiction. Council action Council approved voluntary annexation for the Research Park parcels and did not invoke nonconsenting annexation for the private lot that the owner opposed. Planning staff will proceed with typical vesting of utilities and coordinate future master planning with the applicant. Why it matters Annexation changes municipal responsibilities and property-tax status for affected parcels, can be a prelude to development and public infrastructure extensions, and occasionally triggers concerns among adjacent property owners who remain in unincorporated areas. What’s next Staff will proceed with processing the voluntary annexation, coordinate infrastructure and master-planning steps with the Research Park and return any required zoning or utility agreements as those steps progress.