Council approves pre‑annexation agreement with Central State University; staff cites fiscal benefit

The Xenia City Council on May 14 approved a pre‑annexation agreement with Central State University and authorized a short extension of the existing extraterritorial utilities arrangement while the annexation process proceeds.

Assistant City Manager Mr. Henry told council the city has provided water, sanitary and emergency services to the Central State campus for decades and that staff and university leaders negotiated the pre‑annexation pact over the past 12–18 months. Henry said annexation is expected to produce a net estimated increase of roughly $216,000 per year and that approximately $445,000 would be allocated to general operating funds, with only a minimal increase in service demand.

Law Director Miss Fischer described the next steps: council will introduce an ordinance approving annexation of state‑owned land at its next meeting, hold a public hearing and vote at the first June meeting, then wait the statutory 30 days before filing a petition with the county commissioners. If the county approves, the annexation can become effective on the county’s action. The resolution also authorized an extension of the existing extraterritorial utility service agreement that was due to expire the following Monday to bridge the gap while the ordinance process runs its course.

Council voted to approve the resolution; Mayor Reynolds recorded an abstention on the roll call due to his state employment on at least one of the annexation items and on the record when appropriate.