Yukon City Council opened an extended discussion Jan. 14 on recent actions by the City of El Reno that annexed land west of Yukon. Council members and several landowners described El Reno’s January emergency meeting and adoption of ordinances as rushed and lacking landowner consent. The council voted to direct and authorize the city manager and city attorney to prepare and submit legal filings to defend Yukon’s interests and to support impacted landowners.

Mayor (Mr. Mayer) summarized the city’s approach: Yukon prefers voluntary, owner-consent annexation and sustainable delivery of services. He said Yukon historically favors collaboration and respects property rights, and noted a de-annexation from Oklahoma City occurred in 2023 as context for the council’s caution. The mayor said the city initiated standard annexation procedures in December for a small, contiguous area west of the city but that El Reno’s emergency action preceded Yukon’s efforts.

Several nearby landowners and residents told the council they oppose forced annexation. Peter Smith, one of several written statements read into the record, said landowners prefer to remain rural but would choose Yukon if formal annexation occurred voluntarily. Other attendees described confusion, frustration and concern about how service delivery (police, fire, utilities) would be affected.

City Attorney Roger Reinhart and the mayor explained legal constraints: Oklahoma law allows a city to annex unincorporated territory under defined procedures; El Reno’s action to annex already-incorporated areas creates legal uncertainty. Reinhart cited 11 O.S. § 21-103 (annexation by governing body) and told council members that until El Reno’s action is reversed by the El Reno council or a court, Yukon cannot unilaterally annex those parcels.

After a closed executive session to consult with counsel under Title 25 O.S. § 307(B)(4), the council voted to direct the city manager and city attorney to prepare filings (including, if prudent, appropriate legal actions) to represent and safeguard Yukon’s interests and the interests of affected property owners. The motion stated filings would be reviewed by council members before submission and that any actions taken would be done when prudent and in the city’s interest. The vote authorizing preparation of filings passed on a recorded roll call.