The growing city of Midlothian avoided shrinking by a couple of acres during Tuesday night’s meeting of the City Council.

Councilmembers voted 4-1 to deny a de-annexation request for a 2.19-acre property located at 2140 Onward Road.

Johnny Bishop, who resides on the property and applied to de-annex from the city, told councilmembers he and his wife bought the property in 2008 because of its country feel, no city taxes and no homeowners’ association.

Bishop added that since his property was annexed in 2016, his property taxes have quadrupled. He said the property is on a septic system and uses Sardis-Lone Elm water.

“My understanding is that the planning committee has no plans for our area for the next 30 years,” Bishop said. “So why keep us in city limits?”

City planning director Mary Elliott listed the services the city provides in accordance with the annexation plan: emergency services, including police and fire; solid waste collection; maintenance of roads; parks and recreation facilities and services; public library; zoning code enforcement; and general municipal administration.

City Attorney Joe Gorfida said that failure to provide city services could not be used as a legal reason for approving the de-annexation. However, he said the City Council has the authority to voluntarily de-annex.

Mayor Justin Coffman came out against the de-annexation, saying it was potentially a “very slippery slope” that could lead to drastic changes to the community. Councilmember Wayne Shuffield said he empathized with the applicant, but also opposed de-annexation.

However, councilmember Allen Moorman supported voluntary de-annexation in this case, and said he was not concerned about a wave of de-annexations in the future. Moorman made an initial motion to approve the de-annexation, but the motion died for lack of a second. Moorman also was the only councilmember to vote against denial.

Councilmembers Clark Wickliffe and Mike Rodgers were not present.

Other items

• The approved consent agenda included previous meeting minutes; a resolution extending participation with the Atmos Cities Steering Committee; interlocal cooperative purchasing agreements with the cities of Little Elm and Howe; a contract with Pureline Treatment Systems, LLC for the purchase of bulk sodium chlorite chemicals for the city’s water treatment plants.
• Councilmembers approved a resolution adopting mission and vision statements and guiding principles for the City of Midlothian.
• Appointments were made to the Joint Airport Board, Midlothian Community Development Corporation, Planning and Zoning Commission, and Utility Advisory Board.
• A special event permit was granted for MidloFest, a downtown event hosted by the Midlothian Chamber of Commerce, with a waiver added to allow alcohol sales at Heritage Park. The event is set for Saturday, April 26.
• In a series of three motions, the council authorized three final offers under eminent domain for the Mockingbird Lane expansion project. Moorman voted no on two of the three motions.
• Following an executive session, the council authorized the city manager to make an offer of employment for a communication and marketing coordinator.