(West Okoboji)– The heat’s been turned up even more on an annexation battle going on between the cities of Milford and West Okoboji.
Residents in Ridgeview Estates northwest of Milford are upset with a provision from the city of Milford requiring lot owners to sign an agreement saying they wouldn’t oppose any future involuntary annexation by the city in return for them receiving city water. The residents say that request is unreasonable, and they want to become a part of West Okoboji.
The West Okoboji City Council held a public hearing Monday on the request for voluntary annexation from Ridgeview Estates owners. Milford city councilman Detlef Ball was on hand and requested West Okoboji meet with the Milford city council before taking any action, saying they want to discuss land use and zoning issues on both sides of Highway 86.
The request didn’t go far with West Okoboji council members, who voted unanimously to proceed with the annexation. The action is subject to approval by the State Development Board, which meets July 8th.
Two council members were absent for Monday’s meeting.
The West Okoboji city council took the action in light of a letter they received Monday from the city of Milford, which provides fire and police protection to West Okoboji through a contractual agreement. It states, in effect, that if the State Development Board approves West Okoboji’s annexation, that Milford will look at increasing its fees for police and fire protection to West Okoboji. Some West Okoboji city council members interpret additional language in the letter as a threat that Milford may withdraw the services altogether. Milford City Administrator Brian Reed says the language shouldn’t be interpreted that way.
