Council introduces annexation resolution 26-12 to bring Carroll County sheriff's office parcels into Westminster

The mayor and common council introduced Annexation Resolution No. 26-12, a petition from the Board of County Commissioners of Carroll County to annex about 4.3224 acres made up of 14 contiguous parcels at the corner of Greenwood Avenue and Manchester Avenue for use as a new Carroll County Sheriff's Office headquarters.

"This is the Carroll County Sheriff's Office headquarters petition for annexation to enlarge the corporate boundaries of the city of Westminster by annexing into the city certain property containing plus or minus 4.3224 acres," a city staff member explained during the item introduction. The staff presentation listed the affected tax-account numbers and said most of the parcels are vacant; one dwelling remains under a county lease for the current occupant.

Council members asked questions about utility and zoning logistics. Staff noted city water-and-sewer allocation policy requires adjacent properties needing service to annex; the petitioners have requested the parcels be zoned business under the city zoning code (a change from county R-7500). One council member asked whether an old alley shown on mapping would be affected; staff replied it would be removed through the consolidation process.

After discussion, the council voted by voice to introduce resolution 26-12. The council's introduction moves the annexation into the formal review process; no final zoning determination or adoption occurred at this meeting. The council chair said the resolution was introduced by voice vote and the ayes prevailed.

Next steps: staff will continue the annexation process per the Annotated Code of Maryland and the city's procedures, including required notices and hearings as the proposal advances.