Island Territories Annexations
No election is required for the annexation of so-called “island” territories that are entirely surrounded by a city’s boundaries. Under ORS 222.750, a city may annex such a territory after one public hearing upon notice to every landowner in the territory. However, this provision does not waive the requirement for an election that is required by a city’s charter or ordinance. The Town Charter does not require an election. “Island” territories are territories that are (1) completely within the corporate boundaries of a city or (2) completely surrounded by the annexing city and other natural or artificial boundaries, such as other cities, a large body of water, and Interstate. Ironically, the provision does not apply to literal islands, i.e., territory that is completely surrounded by water. If a city seeks to annex an “island” territory under ORS 222.750, the city must annex the entire territory. Annexing a portion of the territory is not permitted because the provision authorizes annexation of “such territory,” not any part of it.
Stan Foster, Interim Town Manager