A court hold on Bloomington annexation proceedings for areas designated 1A and 1B is lifted and can go to trial.
Judge Nathan Nikirk issued a ruling Thursday to reschedule the annexation appeal trial date. It was put on hold after a request by residents opposing annexation on the outcome of another case.
The city filed a lawsuit in March of 2022 for counting remonstrance waivers in connection to a 2019 state law the city says is unconstitutional. If the court found that to be true, it would flip most areas to be annexed, including 1A and 1B.
Those opposing annexation didn’t want to go through an annexation appeal trial to win and see the larger constitutional case reverse that outcome later.
Pushing City Limits: Bloomington Annexation Coverage
So on Wednesday the city entered a stipulation to the court. It says the city is waiving any defense concerning the constitutionality of the 2019 law in any appeal of this case.
In a statement, Mayor John Hamilton said the city is eager to present its case.
“We began an orderly annexation effort nearly seven years ago, and after unconstitutional blockages and frustrating delays, including in this remonstrance case that began 19 months ago, we appreciate the chance finally to get to trial to resolve the issues,” Hamilton said.
Areas 1A and 1B are near the southwest part of the city. Those areas were not able to void annexation through remonstration but did reach the 51 percent threshold to appeal in court.
The court scheduled October 23 to set a trial date.
