Annexation Plan Developing Under the Radar

At the council workshop on March 22, the City Manager summarized the City's Goals and Strategies , enumerated the specific strategies and identified the tactics to achieve the goals. The entire presentation is available on the city website.

Of particular interest is the plan to develop an annexation plan consistent with the city 2030 plan. Here is the tactical plan:

Create a "Donut Hole" strategy
Tactics:
Council Strategy – Create Comprehensive Annexation Strategy
1. Create a Broad-Based Annexation Plan with Alignment to the 2030 Plan
  a. Donut hole plan one of several subsets to larger annexation strategy
  b. Strategic goals/policies/tactics
  c. Prioritization/Ranking of Areas
      i. Financial (cost to City)
     ii. Potential for long-term growth/revenue
    iii. Public Safety
     iv. Equitable distribution of services/taxes
  d. Solidify funding source if costs associated
  e. Annexation a key piece of the City’s Long-Range Planning Efforts
  f. Ensure that other long-range plans align with and support        annexation strategy
  g. Adopt a Future Annexation Map and Strategic Plan as element of 2030 Plan
2. Effectively Communicate Planning Efforts and Outcomes
  a. Orientation/Education for City Council
     i. Staff to provide guidance, recommendations
  b. Gauge Council philosophy, priorities, desired criteria
  c. Partner early with neighborhoods considered for annexation
  d. Signal to general public and other governmental entities timing      of potential annexations
  e. Promote annexation in positive light

We have pointed out before how undemocratic forced annexation is in Texas. Those whose property is being annexed by a city have no vote as to whether or not they wish to join the city. It is taxation without representation as the newly annexed people/property are obliged to pay city taxes and obey city rules after annexation. A good analysis and argument against forced annexation can be found here: Texas Public Policy Foundation

There are other pernicious methods that cities use to take people's liberty and property rights, but, this is one of the most egregious.

Legislation to change Texas law to allow those being annexed a vote was introduced in the last legislative session, but, it did not receive a vote because of opposition by the Texas Municipal League among others. It is expected an effort will be mounted in the next legislative session to change the law to allow those who would be annexed a vote.

People living in neighborhoods like Serenada and along Booty's Crossing among others better be vigilant as this plan develops if they do not wish to be annexed by Georgetown and pay Georgetown taxes and obey Georgetown rules.