The City expects the annexation study will conclude within six months of contract execution with the selected consultant. All services will be guided by the City of Festus. Phase 1 - Annexation Study: The scope of work will include the following items: Review and evaluate potential annexation areas. Evaluate both short-term and long-term impacts of potential areas to annex, including: o The ability of the City to provide public services; o Potential facility and service needs for the study area including, streets and road maintenance, public safety (fire and police protection), parks and recreation, solid waste, water, and other public services; o A financial assessment of projected revenues and expenses, and the impacts on City operations, public services and infrastructure for various annexation scenarios; o Whether annexation would promote future City expansion or eliminate a surrounded unincorporated area; Assessment of compliance with the City of Festus Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map; and o Compliance with Jefferson County annexation requirements. Coordinate and compile the information and data gathered from the study with input from the City of Festus, including all departments affected by the annexation. Review and analyze current and potential land uses and zoning designations. Work as an extension of City staff, maintain an open dialogue with staff and work closely with the City as the analysis progresses. Develop applicable maps, graphs, illustration and exhibits. Prepare and present a report of information that includes recommendations to the City Council. Advise and assist in the necessary steps to include the annexation of properties to be placed on a 2026 ballot. Finalize the Annexation Study to include recommendations regarding the City’s potential boundary expansion, taking into consideration whether the annexation would follow logical boundaries, such as streets, subdivisions, waterways, or substantial topographic changes and whether the annexation would eliminate an irregularity or irregularities in the City’s boundaries, thereby improving service delivery.
