Lancaster County approves annexation to Southeast Rural Fire Protection District

Commissioner Christa Yoakum, Chair of the Lancaster County Board of Commissioners, joined a unanimous 5-0 vote on March 3 to approve a resolution (R-26-0021) to annex a portion of the Bennet Rural Fire Protection District into the Southeast Rural Fire Protection District.

Commissioner Sean Flowerday said the petition accompanying the request “strongly indicated community support,” noting the significant number of signatures gathered by homeowners. Flowerday and other commissioners said testimony at the earlier public hearing indicated slightly faster response times from the Southeast district because of station location and that the Southeast district reported having more EMTs available. Commissioners emphasized the decision was not a criticism of Bennet Rural Fire Protection District’s service.

Commissioner Matt Schulte noted that nearly all households in the affected area had signed the petition, which he said demonstrated clear support. Commissioner Rick Vest stressed the importance of response time in emergency situations. Deputy County Attorney Morgan Sanchez advised the board that statutory requirements would govern the effective date of the annexation.

Commissioner Flowerday moved to approve the resolution, Commissioner Schulte seconded, and the board approved the annexation by roll call vote (Schulte, Vest, Johnson, Flowerday, and Yoakum voted yes). The board clarified that the change would be made effective at the end of the tax year in keeping with statutory timing.

The resolution follows a public hearing on Feb. 24 and administrative review. The county clerk’s office will process the annexation paperwork consistent with state law and the timeline noted by the deputy county attorney.