Mayor Records Annexation Map, Initiating 30-Day Review Process
Colorado City took a significant step toward expanding its boundaries when the Mayor officially recorded the annexation map with the Mohave County Recorder on Monday, February 2, following a formal request from the Centennial Park Community.
The move represents a notable reversal from nearly four decades ago, when the Centennial Park area was originally included in Colorado City’s incorporation in 1985. At that time, some residents opposed inclusion and successfully petitioned to be excluded from the newly formed town.
Town Manager Vance Barlow informed the Town Council that the recording marks the beginning of a mandatory 30-day waiting period, during which the Town must hold a public hearing within the final 10 days to allow residents and stakeholders to voice their opinions on the proposed boundary change.
Barlow characterized the potential annexation as a pivotal development that could strengthen the municipality’s position across multiple areas of governance and service delivery.
“If the annexation is successful, it will have a significant impact on the Town and should put the Town in a stronger position on many fronts,” Barlow stated in his report.
Mayor Defends Annexation Benefits
Mayor Ream provided UZona Record with a statement explaining the rationale behind the annexation effort.
“This move is to help our communities have opportunities for healthier growth, it’s about not reinventing the wheel and working with each other,” Mayor Ream said. “We will be having a public hearing on this within the last week of this month.”
Community Opinion Divided
The proposed annexation has sparked debate among residents, as evidenced by an anonymous Facebook poll posted to a local community group. The informal poll offered two options: in favor of annexation or against annexation. As of this article’s publication, the “against” option had received more votes.
The poll has attracted participation from local officials, with Mayor Ream, Council Member John Chatwin, and former Council Member Nathan Burnham, who resigned last week, all voting in favor of the annexation. Council Member Thomas Holm voted against it in the Facebook poll.
In preparation for the potential expansion, Town Manager Barlow said he is working directly with department heads to conduct a comprehensive internal assessment. The effort will produce a detailed summary analyzing how the annexation would affect their respective operations, including projected staffing needs and anticipated changes to departmental workloads.
The public hearing will provide community members an opportunity to learn more about the proposal and share their perspectives before any final decision is made.
