Groups for, against annexation updated
By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com

Leaders on both sides of El Campo's contested annexation issue met Monday in separate sessions to review the status of the pending lawsuit asking for a citizen vote.

El Campo resident Tim Ryan, who is now also a candidate in the upcoming May City Council race, and Ryan Services' case was filed Jan. 31 and dismissed last week by 329th District Court Judge Randy Clapp on the grounds it was not appropriate for him to hear the case.

City Attorney Ronny Collins says state annexation law supersedes the charter provision allowing petitions. He successfully argued before Judge Clapp that it is not appropriate for a single individual to challenge annexation. Instead, he said, a county or district attorney or the state attorney general would file on behalf of all if warranted.

Monday the Citizens for a Responsible El Campo met at 5:30 p.m. at Muldoon's Saloon, a business owned by Ryan, to discuss the case.

Attorney Jason Ryan, who represents Tim Ryan, told the group he has approached Wharton County Attorney Trey Maffett.

"It could be up to two years for the court of appeals," Ryan said. "This (an appeal to an official) is the quickest way. We are not interested in this lasting years and years."

The appeal will continue forward, he added, saying he hoped local officials would agree to participate, but if not he would make a plea to the state.

The appeal of Judge Clapp's ruling is pending with the 13th District Court of Appeals in Corpus Christi arguing Ryan can seek an election and that the city violated its own charter by not acting on three Jan. 10 petitions challenging annexation.

At 7 p.m. Monday, El Campo City Council gathered with an agenda item also addressing the annexation challenge.

At 7:25 p.m. Council closed doors for an executive session to discuss the pending lawsuit with their attorney along with a real estate issue as allowed by state law.

Council returned to open session about an hour later with Mayor Phillip Spenrath announcing no action would be taken.

The Citizens For a Responsible El Campo meeting remained open for its discussion saying they were seeking individuals to run for city and school district positions.

Two have signed on in the city (please see related story) and one is considering a school district run.

On Dec. 11, the city annexed four areas including part of the Sandy Corner area between Sandy Corner Road and Hwy. 71 north, land on FM 2765 near the new El Campo Middle School and land on U.S. 59 near South Meadow Lane, which includes Ryan Services.

At Issue

On Dec. 11, the city annexed four areas including land on U.S. 59 near South Meadow Lane, which includes Ryan Services. Owner Tim Ryan, now a City Council candidate , sued over the issue but that case was dismissed last week. An appeal is now pending.