Council adopts Ordinance 2025-2 to authorize pre‑annexation agreements and utility extensions

Wooster City Council on March 3 adopted Ordinance No. 2025-2, authorizing the mayor to enter into pre‑annexation agreements with property owners to facilitate annexation and extension of utility services and allowing immediate enactment.

The ordinance was read into the record by the clerk and moved to third reading by Councilor Moulton, who said, “I would like to motion to move it to the third and final reading.” Councilor Malta moved to suspend the rules so the council could consider and vote on the ordinance the same night; Councilor Knapp (second) supported the suspension. After roll call, the council voted to adopt the ordinance; the clerk recorded unanimous yes votes from the members present and the motion carried.

The ordinance text before the council specified the mayor’s authority to negotiate pre‑annexation agreements with certain property owners for the stated purpose of facilitating an eventual annexation and the extension of municipal utility services. Councilors asked for better advance communication from administration on agenda items; Councilor Moulton requested the administration ensure future agenda items are circulated directly to council members.

The council’s action allows the city to proceed with the pre‑annexation process immediately, but the ordinance itself does not specify property addresses, timelines for annexation, or funding for associated infrastructure; those details were not included in the meeting record.

The vote and procedural motions were recorded on the council roll during the meeting.