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Council starts statutorily required notices for 2021–22 annexation plan after debate
Summary
The council voted to begin the notice and public-hearing phase for the city's 2021–2022 annexation plan, prompting lengthy debate about property-owner consent, service timelines and who benefits; the motion passed with one recorded 'no' vote.
The Pecos City Council voted on Nov. 13 to begin the statutory notice process for a long-planned annexation (the 2021–2022 plan), authorizing mailings and the public hearings required to move annexation areas forward.
City Manager Charles Leno told council this step starts the notification period required by state law and does not itself annex property: “This is the beginning when the notifications are gonna go out,” he said. Staff explained that mailings and public hearings would follow and that, if enacted later, the city must provide city services within three years of annexation for newly included properties.
Public commenters and several council members urged caution. Larry Longoria told the council some landowners do not want to be annexed and said there should be options for property owners to vote. Other council members asked staff for cost-benefit analysis, fiscal projections tied to potential utility connections, and clarity about which parcels might be excluded.
Councilman Arona moved to start the process, Councilman Saldonia seconded, and the motion carried; the transcript records Councilman Graham voting against the motion. Staff said it will continue refining the plan and will post annexation maps and details online and at public hearings.
