County attorney alerts commissioners to Springfield ordinance limiting water taps outside urban growth boundary

County Attorney Clyde Richard told the Robertson County Commission on July 21 that the City of Springfield adopted a resolution this past October that effectively will stop issuing new water taps outside the city—s urban growth boundary beginning in May 2026. The change, Richard said, applies to areas where Springfield—s water lines currently run through northern Robertson County, including parts of Coopertown, and could prevent rural residents from obtaining water connections even if a city line is adjacent to their property.

The county attorney said the city—s resolution declares an "urban growth boundary" (shown on a map Richard distributed to commissioners) and that anything beyond the red hatched line would be ineligible for additional taps. "This ordinance, last October, says anything beyond the red, there will be no further taps, given for water connections," Richard said. He added that Springfield officials told county negotiators the move is not driven by shortages: "I think they just wanna get out of the water utility line business," he said, and that Springfield reported having "millions of gallons of water in excess."

Richard told commissioners the county and Mayor Bogle, along with County Engineer Trey Fan, met with the Springfield mayor, the city manager and the head of the city—s water department, identified in the meeting materials as Mr. Beers. He said the city—s change followed a comprehensive study recommending limiting the city—s water service footprint.

Why it matters: the ordinance could affect subdivision approvals and private landowners— ability to build on lots that rely on city water lines. Richard said the affected area extends north toward the state line and includes multiple utility territories, naming West Robertson, Portland, White House Utility District and East Montgomery in his overview of local systems.

Discussion and next steps: Richard said the county—s first objective is negotiation: asking Springfield to reconsider since, he said, the limitation is not a water-availability issue. He also said he had been authorized to "look into some legal issues as to whether in this situation, Springfield can just walk away from the water lines." Commissioners asked whether alternative water districts had been contacted; Richard said county staff had not completed a formal outreach but that there were conversations about East Montgomery and other districts potentially supplying the northern area. "They may want some money for the lines in place," he said, adding that discussions would continue.

Several commissioners raised potential leverage points, including intergovernmental service relationships. One commissioner suggested withholding other services, noting Springfield currently receives county services such as trash collection; another described the possibility as an "ace in the hole" but said they hoped not to use it.

County staff said they would continue negotiations with Springfield officials, look into legal options, and explore whether other water providers could assume service for the affected northern areas. No formal action or vote was taken; Richard framed the item as an update and a request for commissioner awareness and input.

Ending: County officials said they will follow up with additional meetings and that staff would continue to evaluate legal and operational remedies while keeping commissioners informed.