Eau Claire City Council Approves Annexation-Related Resolution

The Eau Claire City Council voted to approve a resolution expressing their willingness to annex territory from the Town of Washington.

The resolution comes as the Town of Washington takes its first steps on a long process to become a village, protecting it from future annexation attempts by the City of Eau Claire and City of Altoona. Residents of the town have complained about recent annexation attempts that have led to things like the Orchard Hills and Whitetail Woods developments. They say they’re worried about the increase in population and traffic, as well as the overall changes the projects will make to their neighborhoods.

The Town of Washington has previously sued the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the City of Eau Claire over the Orchard Hills development. According to a WEAU report, a public hearing on the Whitetail Woods development is scheduled for July 9th, before the Altoona City Council votes on the preliminary plat proposal on July 11th.

The resolution passed by the Eau Claire City Council states that the City expects to annex some of the bordering territory with the Town of Washington over the next few years due to utility expansion efforts. According to a WQOW report, City Attorney Steven Nick says the resolution was a direct response to the Town’s attempt to become a village.

The passed resolution will now be included in the Town of Washington’s review process for its village incorporation proposal, which will require court approval, state approval, and a referendum vote for residents.