GERALD — Aldermen are expected to make a decision on proposed annexations of highway right-of-ways extending the Gerald city limits in four directions after they convene tomorrow (Thursday) in a closed session discussion with their attorney.

Mayor Angela Koepke told The Republican on Monday that aldermen will take into consideration comments made by some of the nearly 100 area residents who attended an advertised public hearing this past Wednesday at the Gerald Lions Club Hall. The hearing, she said, is just one step in the process.

“We’re listening to our property owners,” said Koepke. “We plan to come out (of the executive session) with a recommendation based on ‘what did the people say.’”

Koepke said their original proposal including extending the city limit right-of-ways along the roadways including west on U.S. 50 to the Franklin and Gasconade County line, east to Old U.S. 50 and Klemme Road, north on Route Y to Wheeler Road and south on Route H to Antioch Road.

What transpires Thursday could produce a rethinking of the reach of the proposed new city limits. Aldermen have the option to propose more limited extensions in any, or all, directions.

Aldermen heard from several property owners in each direction who expressed their concerns in the hour-long hearing held June 4. Several were opposed to the proposal citing concerns about potentially higher property taxes. Some simply did not want to have the city limits extended to their rural homesteads. Others expressed concerns city resources such as water and sewer services would be stressed with potential additional building sites and subdivisions adjacent to these extended city limits.

Koepke said she specifically wants to remind residents this annexation does not involved any increases in taxes for residents or non-resident property owners with land adjacent to the proposed annexation areas which are state highway right-of-ways.

Koepke said aldermen, based on what residents and affected non-resident property owners told them last week, could reduce the reach of the annexations proposed or not do them at all.

“We have to listen to what the people say,” said Koepke. “It’s the property owners that are being affected.”

If the board proceeds with plans to extend city limits on any of the proposed roadways, the city will then be tasked with sending letters to each of the neighboring towns — Rosebud to the west and the Village of Leslie to the east —notifying those communities of the intent to annex the right-of-way in those directions. The city will also be required to submit a letter of findings to the state’s Department of Transportation.

Or, she said, the entire matter could be tabled.

The proposed extension of city limits dates back to a city Planning and Zoning Commission discussion in 2020. In 2023 after research and discussion, P&Z presented a recommendation to the Gerald Board of Aldermen. Aldermen have worked closely with the city’s engineer, Terris Cates, and MoDOT representatives to advance the project to the public hearing, as required by state statutes.

As noted, these proposed extension of the city limits would apply only to highway right-of-ways and no adjacent property would be affected.

If annexation of city limits is extended, any property owner whose property adjoins the right of way could voluntarily petition to be annexed into the city. Gerald residents would then have to vote on whether they favor the proposed annexation or not.

Cates was in attendance and gave an overview of the proposal. Elected and appointed city officials and staff were also available to answer questions.

Koepke said she and her fellow board members appreciated the participation by so many area residents — those in the city limits and those along proposed roadways being considered for annexation.

“My board does care what the public thinks,” said Koepke.