City Hosts Annexation Listening Session Ahead of November Ballot

Competing Annexation Efforts

Brown noted that both Excelsior Springs and the City of Mosby have proposed annexing portions of the same territory. While Excelsior Springs’ proposal covers a larger area, the overlap will likely require legal review after the election, depending on the results.

Why the City is Seeking Annexation

According to Brown, the city’s reasons for pursuing annexation include growth management, coordinated service delivery, and economic development.

“Annexation allows us to apply zoning and development standards consistently,” she said. “It helps us guide future growth, manage land use, and plan infrastructure more efficiently.”

Brown presented maps showing that most of the city’s new building permits in recent years have been issued on the west side, suggesting that Excelsior Springs’ growth is trending in that direction. The area under consideration has already been designated as a major growth corridor in the city’s forthcoming comprehensive plan, expected to be adopted within two months

Services Already Being Provided

City officials also emphasized that Excelsior Springs already provides some services to the area, including fire protection and ambulance service, and has existing water and sewer infrastructure nearby.

Birdsong noted that a gravity sewer system was extended into the area in the 1990s, anticipating future development. “There was foresight even then to see that this was the natural growth of our city,” he said.

The city also provides fire response to much of the proposed annexation area and would assume responsibility from the Fishing River Fire District if annexation is approved. Brown added that Excelsior Springs’ partnership with Clay County Water District 8 would allow for water and sewer expansion as development occurs

Public Questions and Concerns

Residents raised several questions during the discussion, ranging from potential lawsuits involving nearby Ideker Mining operations to road maintenance, driveway regulations, and trash service requirements.

Excelsior Springs resident Jim Rice expressed concern about including land between Cameron Road and Rhodus Road, calling the map “gerrymandered.” City Manager Molly McGovern responded that the city followed roadway boundaries as required by state statute, describing the annexation area as “compact and contiguous” — a key legal standard for such proposals

Another question from a Cameron Road resident involved ditch maintenance. Birdsong said the city uses a flusher truck to clear tubes and maintain drainage systems within city limits, while homeowners are responsible for replacing culverts. Residents also asked whether they would be required to pave gravel driveways; Birdsong confirmed that existing gravel driveways would be grandfathered in.

Fire Chief Maddick addressed questions about burn permits, noting that open burning of trash is prohibited within city limits. “We issue burn permits for land clearing or debris, but there are restrictions,” he said.

Residents also inquired about tax implications and whether large-acreage property owners would experience differences in city services. Brown said the area’s mix of agricultural and residential zoning is consistent with other parts of the city.

Brown concluded by noting that the city has long invested in infrastructure supporting westward growth. Sewer and water mains extended toward the annexation area in previous decades reflect what she described as “decades of planning for future expansion.”

“The trend is clear; Excelsior Springs is growing west,” she said. “This annexation simply brings our city limits in line with the direction development is already heading.”

The meeting ended with a reminder to residents to vote on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.