The Sedona City Council on Jan. 14 authorized staff to circulate a blank annexation petition seeking signatures for a proposed annexation of roughly 3,422 acres that includes the city’s wastewater treatment plant and adjacent city-owned property known as the Dells.

Kurt (city staff) presented the proposed annexation map and background, telling the council the proposed boundary includes federal, state and utility-owned parcels. The mapped area contains land owned by the Coconino National Forest, Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) right of way, and only three privately assessed property interests within the annexation boundary — a section of APS power-line assets, a solar lease to EDP Renewables on city property, and a small Lumen parcel with minimal assessed value.

Kurt said state and county records show no privately-owned developable property in the boundary aside from the three assessed interests; because two of the three owners had already indicated support (APS and EDP Renewables), staff expects collecting the required signatures to be straightforward. The city has up to one year to collect the required property-owner signatures if council authorizes staff to proceed.

Council members asked several questions about possible consequences of annexation. Staff and legal advisers emphasized that annexation changes jurisdictional boundaries but does not change federal land ownership of Coconino National Forest acreage. District Ranger Alex Schluter (Forest Service) told staff the Forest Service has strict federal criteria and processes governing any land exchanges or divestitures; such a transfer would be a multiyear federal process and is “highly unlikely” absent an act of Congress or a qualifying exchange under specific federal law.

Staff said the city would provide policing to the annexed area (policing authority currently rests with Yavapai County); other services (water, sewer, fire) are not changing as a direct result of annexation. The city’s sewer service boundary is not being expanded as part of the annexation, and the Sedona Fire District already provides fire protection.

Initial zoning for the annexed land would match county density: RS-70,000 (one unit per two acres). Staff noted any different development (rezoning) would require council approval.

Public speakers raised concerns and suggestions during the public hearing. Richard Black requested the city consider a deed restriction or conservation easement to prevent future commercial or residential development; staff explained a enforceable restriction on city-owned property would require the city to place a restriction on the land and, if desired, could be coupled with sale to a conservation buyer. Nina Barlow (Greater Sedona Recreation Collaborative working group) asked the council to consider trail and off-highway-vehicle connections across Highway 89A that could be coordinated with the annexation area and with ADOT.

Council discussion touched on long-term stewardship and future development scenarios. Several councilors said bringing the Dells into the city would give future residents a city voice and zoning protections; one councilor opposed the annexation as a policy change made without broader public debate. After discussion, the council voted 6–1 to authorize staff to circulate the blank annexation petition and, once sufficient signatures are gathered (two of the three property owners and a majority of assessed value), return the annexation for ordinance adoption within one year.

Next steps: staff will seek signatures from the three property owners (APS, EDP Renewables lessee, and Lumen) and return to council with a proposed ordinance and service plan if/when required signatures are obtained.