North Platte’s City Council on Dec. 2 adopted a package of annexation ordinances that add multiple parcels along East 6th Street and other city‑adjacent tracts into the municipal limits.

The council unanimously passed Ordinance No. 42‑31, annexing roughly 3.55 acres described as Lot 2 of Franzen’s Second Administrative Subdivision. Over the next hour the council read and approved a sequence of related ordinances (Nos. 42‑32 through 42‑38) to annex Study Areas A–G along East 6th Street; one of those votes was recorded as 5‑3. A separate ordinance (42‑42) to bring about 11 government‑owned parcels (~51.97 acres) into the city was advanced on first reading following a brief public hearing.

The measures prompted lengthy public comment from property owners and neighbors who said they were surprised by the timing and concerned about effects on businesses, property values and existing service arrangements. One resident told the council, “We’re happy with it the way it is,” and asked why annexation was being pursued now rather than when the area was more active. A planning‑staff explanation cited legal differences between a “friendly” annexation (initiated by the landowner) and a non‑friendly annexation (where statutory steps and a plan for providing city services are required). Staff said the main practical difference for many of the parcels is access to city water and sewer; several parcels already use city services and pay fees in lieu of taxes.

Council discussion focused on balancing orderly long‑term development and tax‑equity goals against residents’ opposition. Council members who supported annexation said it prevented creation of a long‑term “donut hole” of unincorporated property surrounded by city limits and would allow the city to plan for public infrastructure. Opponents pointed to specific local impacts, including drainage and railroad culvert issues that staff said will be investigated and, where feasible, addressed as part of service extension.

The council received a petition for the record from residents opposed to one block’s annexation; staff agreed the petition would be included in the official file. Legal staff noted that title and assessor records for some government‑owned tracts will require follow‑up (including the possibility of a quiet‑title action) to confirm ownership records before additional paperwork is completed.

What happens next: annexation ordinances adopted on final reading become part of the city code and initiate the process for extending city services to the newly annexed territory. For the parcel that passed 5‑3, neighbors and council members may pursue additional procedural follow‑ups; staff indicated it will return with service‑extension details and any required easement or infrastructure plans.