Elgin council annexes 38.57 acres for proposed wastewater plant after public objections

The Elgin City Council on Nov. 18 voted to annex a 38.57‑acre tract the city purchased to site a proposed wastewater treatment plant, a move that prompted public concern about environmental and historic impacts but which council members said is necessary to address system capacity and operational risk.

The annexation ordinance, which also included permanent industrial zoning for the parcel, passed on a roll‑call vote with one no. Council members voting in favor said the plant location is driven by drainage and gravity flow considerations and would reduce dependence on the Elm Creek lift station, a current operational risk.

Resident Gina Gonzales, who described herself as a descendant of a local freedom colony, testified during the public hearing that the annexation and plant would harm historic farmland, farms and…