Freestone County residents have formed a grassroots coalition to stop cities from forcibly annexing property.
Freestone County resident and coalition spokesman Ed O’Neill said his group is encouraging voters to support Proposition A on the November 6th ballot, which would change Freestone County to a Tier 2 county.
Cities in Tier 2 counties must get approval from the impacted residents before they can annex property, according to the Texas Annexation Right to Vote Act passed in 2017 by the state Legislature.
Freestone County is currently a Tier 1 county, which means cities can forcibly annex property, subjecting people to increased taxes and regulations.
O’Neill said, “We deserve to have the ability to stop unwanted government intrusion in our lives, and most people agree with our position. But we’re concerned that the ballot language could leave voters with the wrong impression.”
Voters will see the following language on their ballots:
“Changing Freestone County from Tier 1 county status to Tier 2 county status for purposes of municipal annexation as described by Chapter 43 of the Texas Local Government Code”
O’Neill continued, “We’re working hard to make sure everyone votes for Proposition A, because Tier 2 status is a good thing for Freestone County.”
Early voting is October 22 to November 2, and Election Day is November 6.
Four other North Texas counties—Wise, Johnson, Palo Pinto, and Parker—will also have the opportunity to become Tier 2 counties on November 6.
Voters can visit StopForcedAnnexation.com to learn more about Proposition A and how Tier 2 status benefits city and rural residents.
