The bill also eliminates the waiting period for annexing areas with 250 or fewer people. Additionally, Senate Bill 89 would allow residents to negotiate for services, such as utility, fire and police, during the waiting period. It would not, however, allow them to circumvent the process through a series of legal maneuvers. Cities also would be required to provide all services and complete all infrastructure improvements within a negotiated length of time. Mayors of some cities have expressed concern about the bill, fearing the waiting period could hinder economic development.
Suburbanites argue that planned growth benefits suburban and inner-city residents.
I voted for the bill, because I believe it represents a significant improvement over the current law regarding annexation here in Texas.