Owensville to document 2008 annexation error after school district opts to keep property annexed

The Owensville Board of Aldermen was notified Feb. 3 that an error in the legal descriptions used during a 2008 annexation affected property associated with the Gasconade County R‑2 School District. City Administrator Randy Blaske reported the discovery and said city staff contacted the school district to discuss options.

According to the board’s administrator report, the school district’s superintendent told the city the district prefers to leave the property as recorded with the Gasconade County assessor so the entire property remains annexed. City officials said the city attorney will prepare a memorandum of understanding to record the finding and the district’s decision.

Why it matters: Annexation status affects municipal jurisdiction, taxing authority and service responsibilities. By documenting this, the city and school district create a clear administrative record so future assessors, landowners and officials understand the legal status of the parcel.

What was said: The administrator’s report described the error in the legal description and the school superintendent’s choice to retain the annexed status. The board did not take a formal vote on changing the annexation; instead staff will execute a memorandum of understanding prepared by the city attorney to reflect the parties’ understanding.

Next steps: The memorandum of understanding is being prepared for the city record. No further public action or hearing on the annexation was scheduled during the Feb. 3 meeting.