Commissioners press county lawyers after residents, COBRA raise alarm over Boynton Beach annexation by power of attorney

Palm Beach County commissioners on Thursday asked county attorneys to prepare legal guidance and an objection letter after residents and leaders of COBRA alleged the city of Boynton Beach has pursued voluntary annexations using powers of attorney signed during utility arrangements.

The issue surfaced as an addendum: city-planned annexations for the Palmyra (about 34 acres) and Bamboo Lane (about 4.6 acres) areas. Commissioners heard residents describe being surprised by the move and said some property owners told COBRA they were not aware their property would be annexed.

The board’s attention followed public testimony from residents and COBRA representatives who said the city relied on power-of-attorney documents and water-service agreements to claim consent from parcel owners. Barbara Roth, who said she convenes COBRA meetings, told commissioners Palmyra residents “do not know what’s going on” and that the initiative looked like “a desperate attempt to gain properties that will provide [the city]…