(CAMERON)  The Cameron City Council heard opposing comments Monday regarding the city’s plan to annex 6 tracts of land totaling more than 900 acres.  During separate public hearings on each of the 6 tracts, residents spoke of losing their privileges of country living citing activities as hunting and 4-wheeling.   Each resident was given 2 minutes to as questions and address the council. 

The Council was scrutinized for rushing the annexation process.  Guidelines will change after the end of the year, making the annexation process much more difficult. 

One of the properties includes the Goetz Addition off FM 1600 south of Cameron. 

Donna Mueck said she “simply did not want in the City Limits.  Bernice Simms said she wanted to continue to have hunting rights on her property.  Leslie Watkins said her family located in Goetz Addition 21 years ago.   David Greene wanted to know if the city had surveyed the cost to provide utilities to the annexed properties.  Mayor James Lafferty said that survey had not been conducted, but the cost would be paid by the water revenue account, and said that would probably require an increase in the Water and Sewer rates.  Lonie Rassmonson questioned the city’s responsibility to provide information to file an appeal on the annexation.  The City’s legal counsel Shiela Jalufka, said the state cannot even stop such an annexation process. 

Mayor James Lafferty said he feels those who enjoy the benefits of the city should be a part of the city.

Veterinarian Tommy Barton questioned the use of his business property after the annexation.  The attorney informed Barton that the use of the land as of the annexation date would continue, regardless of ownership change.  She said the “use” would be grandfathered.

Gwen and Franci Denio,  each questioned the reasoning behind the annexation, the cost of such action, the rush to annex the properties and the communication to the public of the council’s intentions.

Attorney Shiela Jalufka reiterated that these meetings were simply public hearings allowing residents to voice their opinions.  The annexations are not a done deal.  The hearings are a chance for the council to hear the concerns of the citizens.

The 6 tracts of land include:

259 acres south of Cameron on the west side of FM 1600, including Goetz Addition.

287 acres located north of the city limits along US Hwy 77.

10.77 acres located north of the city limits along US Hwy 77.

27.12 acres located east of the city limits along US Hwy 77.

75.27 acres located southwest of the city limits along US Hwy 190.

And 253.29 acres located east of the city limits along County Road 227. 

Chamber Manager Erlene Cloudt spoke on behalf of the Cameron Industrial Foundation, the Industrial Development Corporation, and the Chamber of Commerce supporting the annexations for the future of the city.