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Schertz directs staff to prepare election on annexation or JLUS consistency for properties within five miles of JBSA‑Randolph
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Summary
Schertz City Council on June 3 directed staff to prepare an ordinance calling an election for property owners in parts of the city’s ETJ within five miles of Joint Base San Antonio‑Randolph to choose annexation or limited municipal land‑use authority consistent with the JLUS.
Schertz City Council on June 3 directed staff to prepare an ordinance calling an election for property owners in parts of the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction within five miles of Joint Base San Antonio‑Randolph.
"There’s a provision in the local government code section 43 0 1 1 7 that allows essentially if you’re for areas within a certain distance of certain military bases…cities can call for an election," said staff member James during the workshop discussion, quoting the statutory provision as presented to council. The provision allows affected property owners to vote to (1) be annexed by the city or (2) grant the city authority to adopt and enforce land‑use regulations in the area consistent with the most recent Joint Land Use Study.
Council Member Davis said he requested the discussion to reduce administrative uncertainty and to give owners a choice rather than leaving development in the area unchecked. "I think it’s a no brainer to call for the election and and see if we can just administratively clear this up," Davis said, arguing that the measure would prevent incompatible development near Randolph and provide clarity for emergency services and infrastructure planning.
Staff displayed maps showing parcels currently covered by delayed annexation agreements (which would not be affected) and other parcels in the ETJ that would be eligible for the election. Council members asked about likely voter preferences and whether annexation would be immediate; staff said the question presented to voters is either annexation or granting zoning authority under the statute, and that, if owners voted for annexation, staff planned to proceed with annexation rather than delay.
Council members indicated broad support for placing the proposition on the July agenda; staff said the city secretary’s office will prepare the ordinance calling the election and bring it back to council for formal action. No formal vote was taken at the workshop—the council provided direction to prepare the election ordinance for a future meeting.
