The City of Magnolia finalized the annexation of seven tracts of land at its March 27 City Council meeting. The ordinance was approved unanimously despite several business owners voicing concerns earlier in the month over the cost—particularly the increased property tax—of being annexed into the city.

City administrator Paul Mendes said annexing the land was a logical step forward for the city, and they will continue to work with concerned individuals to ensure that annexation is beneficial.

"In the long run, this is going to be for the greater good of the whole area," Mendes said.

Once annexed, the city has two years to provide residents with sewer and water services. Police and fire services must also be extended to the annexed land.

Starting in 2013, the city will receive sales tax revenue from any businesses within the annexed area.

For the seven tracts of land it is annexing, the city specifically targeted areas that it already provided with water with the intention of upgrading the system.

According to Mendes, the city is working to increase the size of water pipes from three inches to 12 inches, which will allow for greater water pressure and fire protection through the use of hydrants which have already been installed.

The relocation of utilities down FM 1774 to Friendship Lane is almost complete, Mendes said.

After one year, people can petition to be de-annexed from the city if they are still unsatisfied.

Magnolia, a general law city, may only annex land in its extraterritorial jurisdiction—the unincorporated land surrounding the city.

City Council set a public hearing for April 10 on the voluntary annexation of a Magnolia ISD property on FM 1774.