By Carleen Wild
Moody County Enterprise
One question has surfaced repeatedly since Colman residents petitioned to place a proposed athletic complex site on the ballot: What exactly happens if the measures pass — or fail?
With the July 28 referendum quickly approaching, city, county and school officials have provided additional information to help answer that question and explain exactly what Colman voters will be deciding.
The proposed property currently lies outside the Colman city limits. Earlier this summer, the Colman City Council approved annexing the property into the city and rezoning it from agricultural to residential. Neighbors opposed to those decisions later gathered enough petition signatures to force the issue to a public vote.
What voters are deciding is whether the property will become part of the City of Colman or remain under Moody County’s jurisdiction.
If both measures are approved, the property will be annexed into the city limits. The City of Colman would have zoning authority over the land, including future building permits and access to city utilities.
If either measure fails, the property will remain under Moody County’s jurisdiction. Any future development would instead be subject to Moody County zoning regulations and permitting requirements.
“The school would like to have that area annexed and rezoned to be able to connect to city utilities and be in city limits,” Superintendent Scott Hemmer said.
“The district purchased the land to have additional space to expand and facilities, regardless of the vote, the district would look to expand to that area in some capacity.”
County officials confirmed that if the property remains outside city limits, the district would work through Moody County’s zoning process for any future development.
The referendum is a municipal election, meaning only registered voters residing within the City of Colman are eligible to vote. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, at the Colman Community Center, 120 N. Main St.
Please see page 7 of this week’s Moody County Enterprise and read the legal notices Referred Resolution 468 and Referred Ordinance 469 or the facsimile ballots, for the election for full explanations.
Editor’s Note: A story published in the July 6 edition of the Moody County Enterprise incorrectly stated that a “no” vote on the annexation or rezoning measures could prevent the proposed athletic complex from moving forward at its current location. After speaking with city, county and school officials, we have learned the vote determines whether the property falls under City of Colman or Moody County jurisdiction. The district has indicated it intends to pursue development of the property regardless of the outcome of the referendum, subject to correct permitting and zoning requirements.