Council debates utility‑connection ordinance, retroactivity concerns and annexation strategy

Council reviewed Ordinance 2026-08, which would require property owners to connect to town sewer where available, set enforcement steps (written warning and five days to comply) and establish fines that escalate up to $1,000 per day for ongoing violations.

During the discussion, a council member asked whether the interlocal agreement with the county would be required for enforcement; legal counsel replied the proposed interlocal agreement primarily covers planning and zoning staff and does not itself change water and sewer authority.

Several members raised concerns about retroactive enforcement and impacts on residents who had existing driveways or trees: "you can't make laws retro act," a speaker said, and members noted the town would have difficulty enforcing against preexisting driveways but might address significant changes.

Council also connected the utility-connection discussion to an active annexation conversation. Members discussed phased annexation versus whole‑area annexation, the requirement for multiple public hearings, coordination with county commissioners and the need to prepare plans showing timelines for extending utilities and services to annexed properties.

The transcript records a member moving to approve the ordinance and a second, but no roll‑call vote or final tally appears in the record provided. The council agreed to schedule working meetings to prepare annexation plans and to identify areas feasible for inclusion.