Residents and Clay-Union Electric raise concerns as council approves annexation and intent to serve the property

The Vermillion City Council voted May 19 to annex a 37.1-acre parcel identified as MARF Track 1 at the northeast corner of South Dakota Highway 50 and Princeton and authorized staff to notify Clay-Union Electric of the city’s intent to provide electric service to the annexed area.

The annexation resolution passed after staff described the parcel and noted the city would extend utilities if and when the land is developed. Jose, the city planner, said the parcel would initially be zoned NRC (Natural Resource Conservation), which allows farming until development occurs. John Prescott, city manager, told the council that utility extensions and paving would be driven by future development, and that the city traditionally elects to serve annexed areas unless otherwise constrained.

Chris Larson, a representative of Clay-Union Electric, testified before the council opposing the transfer of electric service rights. Larson said he received minimal notice of the annexation and the accompanying agenda item and called for…