Opinion ID: 2449412
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: may a city annex property with a provision for de-annexation solely at the discretion of the property owners affected?

Text: The term of the agreement is for a period of five (5) years, and shall . . . be automatically renewed for three successive renewal terms of five years unless both the Co-Trustees and the Bullitts (some of the property owners in Oxmoor) notify the City in writing prior to the expiration of the original or any renewal term, respectively, that they will not consent to the renewal or further renewal of this agreement. Paragraph 3, agreement between City and Oxmoor. Although this matter was not argued at any level of the litigation we feel that it is of sufficient importance for us to take cognizance of it. It is clear that, under this provision of the agreement, if the individuals named are not satisfied, for any reason or for no reason, with the deal they have negotiated for annexation, they may terminate the agreement, and de-annex the city property affected. This provision provides for a limited annexation subject to a condition subsequent. The annexation process is a purely statutory one. KRS 81A.010 et seq. The annexing city must follow a specific step-by-step procedure, including holding a public hearing and preparing a highly technical and detailed report. KRS 81A.050, KRS 81A.060. Upon the enactment of the final ordinance, . . . the territory shall become part of the city. . . . KRS 81A.010 (emphasis added). Nothing appears in the statute allowing an annexation on a condition subsequent permitting de-annexation at the whim of an annexed property owner. There is a specific manner in which a city of the first class may reduce its boundaries (de-annex), KRS 81A.010, KRS 81A.020. We believe that since the process of annexation and de-annexation are children of the legislature and involve critical property and economic rights of property owners, the procedures set out by the statutes must be followed precisely. When an annexation ordinance has been passed and has become effective the annexed territory can be de-annexed from the city only in accordance with the prescribed statutory procedure. Kaelin v. City of Indian Hills, Ky., 286 S.W.2d 898 (1956). There is no legislative authority to permit the de-annexation procedure provided for in the contract, and the dangers inherent in such a procedure are not dissimilar to those previously described.