Wharton wants more time to ponder plant annexation
By BENJAMIN SHARP news@leader-news.com

Initially convinced that annexation of the Colorado Bend Energy Center was in the city's best interest, the Wharton City Council now appears less certain.

At Monday night's meeting, Council took no action on a proposed ordinance that would annex 1,000 feet of property along Texas 60 up to the southernmost edge of the Navasota Energy owned property.

The council also took no action regarding a proposed Industrial District Agreement - an agreement that Navasota officials have presented as an alternative to annexation.

Instead, the council voted to discuss the matter further at a special meeting scheduled for 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 15, at city hall.

During the public comments portion of the meeting, Wharton resident Jim Cockrell urged Council to delay bringing the power plant into the city limits.

"I feel like they are being a good neighbor and I don't feel that the time is right," he said. "They came here in good faith. I am totally against it."

Navasota is against the annexation.