This story has been updated.
County Residents Against Annexation will remain a plaintiff in the trial that will determine the outcome of the city’s efforts to annex parts of Monroe County.
Judge Nathan Nikirk dismissed Tuesday a motion by the City of Bloomington to remove the group from the case because some members are not in areas affected by annexation.
In its challenge, the city specifically mentioned Margaret Clements. She’s president of County Residents Against Annexation, although she doesn't live in the areas being annexed. But Clements said her organization speaks for those in the county who are opposed to being annexed.
"We're representing their voices, we're helping to coordinate the legal response, we have been educational, and we are fulfilling our mission as a 501(c)3 public charity," she said.
County Residents Against Annexation filed the case in March 2022, and a five-day bench trial is scheduled for April 29.
A previous version of this story said Clements lived in the city. It has been corrected.
