Bethel Township trustee asks Huber Heights council to meet on annexation agreement, moratorium

Julie Rees, a trustee from Bethel Township in Miami County, asked the Huber Heights City Council during public comment on Dec. 24 to arrange an immediate meeting to negotiate an annexation agreement and a temporary moratorium on future annexations.

“In full disclosure, I am a Bethel Township Trustee. I'm here to ask about a meeting between the city council and Bethel Township in order to take an annexation agreement through to completion,” Rees said. She told council she and township officials have contacted the city attorney and city manager in recent months but have not been able to secure a meeting time.

Rees requested the city arrange the meeting “immediately to negotiate an agreement,” noting prior expressions of interest by the mayor and several council members to discuss an annexation moratorium.

Why it matters: An annexation agreement and any moratorium on annexations would affect municipal boundaries, service responsibilities and taxation for properties under negotiation. Rees’s request indicates Bethel Township seeks expedited negotiation with Huber Heights officials.

Meeting context: Her remarks came during the public comment portion of the Dec. 24 regular session. The transcript records no formal council action or vote on the request during the meeting; council members did not take further public action on the item at that session.

Next steps: Rees said the township has contacted the city attorney and city manager and asked that council schedule a meeting. The transcript does not record a scheduled date or a staff response committing to a meeting.