Pampa commission agrees to remove small parcel from ETJ under new state law

The Pampa City Commission approved on first reading Ordinance 1833 to remove a small parcel from the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ), a change prompted by a petition allowed under recent state law.

Staff referenced Senate Bill 2038, which permits property owners within a city’s ETJ to petition for removal; if a statutory threshold of property owners agrees, the city must allow removal after the statutory period. Staff explained that, for Pampa’s ETJ size and configuration, the parcel under petition is approximately 100 by 50 feet and currently hosts a fireworks stand. Because the parcel owner is the only owner involved and meets the petition threshold, staff said the city must acquiesce to the removal.

Commissioners discussed the historical purpose of ETJs—easier annexation when cities expanded—and noted the law change has limited the city’s ability to annex property. Staff said removal of the small parcel would not reduce tax revenue or city services and would create a small ‘‘donut hole’’ in the ETJ map; the commission approved the ordinance on first reading by voice vote.

The ordinance will be recorded to maintain a permanent record of ETJ adjustments and will return as required for final action.