Norfolk passes third and final reading for annexation

NORFOLK, Neb.-- After months of discussions, the city of Norfolk has approved its annexation plan.

The annexation plan has been the focal point of many city council meetings since August.

The plan was heavily criticized by residents living in the proposed annexation areas. Residents claimed that the city had not given enough time, and felt blindsided by the annexation proposal. 

Mayor Josh Moenning refuted those claims in an earlier meeting, saying that the city government had been very transparent about the plan for some time.

"Again, just to reiterate, not an easy thing to do," Moenning said. "A lot of times there are hard questions to answer, lots of natural questions for property owners...but I think we were able to have rational discussions, on why this is necessary for a community to grow into the future. The council understood that vision and direction, and they stood by it and were all going to walk through this together now as we move forward."

The vote passed in a unanimous 5-0 nothing vote, with 3 abstaining due to a conflict of interest.

According to Moenning, the annexation ordinance will go into immediate effect, with the exception of some transitional areas. Areas that are currently represented by the Sanitary Improvement District, will have 30 days to transition services over to the city of Norfolk. Those services include snow removal, street patience to police and fire protection. Moenning says the city is prepared and ready to take over that role, as required by state law.