· Context
Council passes 4-1 on first reading the owner-requested annexation of 477.36 acres near I-27 and Sundown Lane
On June 10, 2025, after a public hearing, the council voted 4-1 (Councilmember Tom Scherlen voting no) to adopt on first reading Ordinance No. 8200, annexing on the property owners' petition a 477.36-acre tract of unplatted land in Randall County near Interstate 27 and Sundown Lane. The staff memo says the undeveloped land was proposed for commercial development and the Kids Inc. Rockrose Sports Park, and lies within the South Gateway tax increment reinvestment zone (TIRZ 3).[1][2][3]
Cole StanleyTim ReidDon TippsLes SimpsonTom Scherlen
What the sources say
- ✓ Verified
On June 10, 2025 the council held a public hearing on Ordinance No. 8200, annexing on petition of the property owners a 477.36-acre tract of unplatted land in Sections 32, 33, 36 and 37, Block 9, BS&F Survey, Randall County (vicinity Interstate 27 and Sundown Lane; applicants Furman Land Surveyors, Inc. for Attebury Elevators, LLC, and a representative for a second owner). Two residents spoke against the item. The motion by Councilmember Les Simpson, seconded by Councilmember Don Tipps, to adopt the ordinance passed 4-1: yes, Cole Stanley, Tim Reid, Don Tipps and Les Simpson; no, Tom Scherlen. [1]
- ✓ Verified
The staff memo describes the request as a property owner-initiated annexation of undeveloped land "proposed to be developed into commercial property and the Kid's Inc. Rockrose Sports Park." It says the owners would build water, sanitary sewer, stormwater and streets within the property as it develops, and would dedicate right-of-way within 120 days for an arterial upgrade of Coulter Street and future expansion of Sundown Lane; police said they could serve the area with current resources, and the fire department said most of it is within Fire Station 3's four-minute run time. [2]
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The memo states that the area is within the South Gateway Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone 3, established in 2022, so after annexation the City would collect property tax on the 2022 base values while growth in value goes to the zone; participation steps down to 50% in year 11 of the 20-year term ending in 2042. Because the area is in Randall County Assistance District 1, which collects 0.5% sales tax, the City would receive 1.5% of its usual 2% sales tax share there. [2]
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Staff noted that the annexation would leave three properties surrounded by the city limits; their owners were not interested in annexation when approached, and state law requires the council to find that surrounding an area is in the public interest. The memo says the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended the case 6-0 with one abstention, and that no comments had been received on the notices. [2]
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NewsChannel 10 reported on May 19, 2025 that the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended annexing the nearly 500-acre tract near I-27 and Sundown Lane, that discussed uses included new residential and business properties with Kids, Inc. involved, depending on changes made during the process, and that council readings were expected in late May and June. [3]
- ✓ Verified
The minutes do not record a reason for Councilmember Scherlen's no vote on first reading, and no fetched news report of the June 10, 2025 vote gives one. [1]