The first reading of the controversial annexation of 242 acres of land, located north of Bailey Rd., south of Arnold Dr., east of Kennedy Dr. and west of Manvel Rd. passed by a vote of 5-0. The second reading will take place on November 23.
Residents opposed to the annexation stepped forward with concerns about the annexation.
“This is not a money issue,” resident Debbie Kirby said. “It’s a quality of life issue. My grandkids won’t be able to come ride four-wheelers like they love to do. We won’t be able to burn. And the city won’t be able to provide water until 2022,” she added.
Resident Jessica Roe agreed.
“My kids are in 4H and won’t be able to participate anymore. Basically, our taxes plus the TIP funding that the city is getting is paying for the Bailey Rd. expansion. It’s the most fiscally irresponsible thing I’ve heard in my life,” Roe said.
The Kirbys and Roes are only two of the families that live on the annexable 242 acres that will be affected. They both expressed disappointment in the lack of representation from the other residents at Public Hearings and City Council meetings.
“Basically, there’s nothing we can do about it,” said Roe. “It’s frustrating.”
Councilman Greg Hill said that there has been some miscommunication or misunderstanding.
“This area will begin receiving city services the moment they are annexed,” he said. “All of the existing residents have water wells and sewage on their property and they won’t be asked to change that. The City will be at ‘capacity’ after the surface water plant is finished in 2022, and new residents will be asked to use the city’s water lines.”
“No one is being asked not to burn, unless there is a county-wide burn ban. As far as I know, there are no restrictions on the use of four-wheelers or golf carts either.” Hill added. “Yes, property taxes will go up. No one wants that, but there’s no way around it.”
“It just seems like a money grab,” said Kirby. Our taxes will go up but we won’t have any benefits.”
In the Council meeting, City Manager Clay Pearson indicated that the area may be rezoned at a later date from the existing Suburban District zoning and that property owners will be able to request rezoning if they wish.
It was also mentioned that Agricultural Exemptions are available for residents who raise livestock for organizations such as 4H.
Residents are encouraged to communicate with the City through the website at PearlandTX.gov or by calling City Hall.
