Several residents of County Roads 1020 and 1025 addressed the Lampasas City Council Monday to oppose annexation of about 410 acres west of the city limits.

The council is considering annexing the city sports park on Farm-to- Market Road 580 West, about 3,000 feet west of the city limits on CR 1020 -- often called West First Street -- and about 4,615 feet west on County Road 1025 -- also known as West Avenue B.

Bill White, who owns five acres along CR 1020 about a half-mile from the city limits, said he is concerned about city regulations -- such as prohibitions on burning and discharging firearms -- that would apply to his property if the city annexes land west of town. White also asked if landowners would be allowed to keep their livestock.

Assistant City Manager Stacy Brack said the city allows animals as long as they do not create a public nuisance. Burn permits, valid for seven days, cost $5 each, Mrs. Brack added.

White said he burns brush 12 to 15 times a year and would be inconvenienced by having to purchase that many permits.

"There's a lot of trees, a lot of brush, a lot of clearing out there, and it's constant," White said.

Duane McEachron, who lives on CR 1025, said he doubts the city's chipping program will accommodate the brush he and his neighbors clear from their land.

"I have about a 20-foot pile I need to burn," McEachron said. "Y'all are not set up to handle the amount of brush we have out here."

McEachron also objected to having to change his address, which he said he had to do twice in a sixmonth period while living west of Lampasas.

Charles Jones, who lives on CR 1025, said he hopes to use solar and/or wind power on his lot. Jones asked if he still could pursue such a project if his property were annexed into the city.

Mayor Judy Hetherly said the City Council is considering ways to allow alternative fuel use. City Manager Michael Stoldt added that restrictions, especially on wind towers, would be more likely to ap- ply in sections of town more densely populated than the area under consideration for annexation.

Harry Hollister, who lives just west of the area under consideration for annexation, told council members he is concerned about possible future increases in his property taxes. Hollister said he opposes plans to extend the city limits west because annexation would stretch Lampasas' extraterritorial jurisdiction one mile from its new western limit and could make his property more likely to be annexed.

"I don't want that to affect me 10 years from now," Hollister said. "Unless the city can really show a tremendous improvement in the services out there, I don't think I will be in favor of it."

A $200,000 home is assessed $780 in city taxes, or $721 with a $15,000 exemption for property owners older than 65, Mrs. Brack said. Residents would be eligible for city rates on water and electric service, however, which would save the average household about $345 a year, she said. As a result, the average total yearly increase in expenses for annexed residents would equate to about $435, Mrs. Brack said.

"I do think you'll get additional services in police, fire, building inspections and code enforcement," Mrs. Brack said.

Annexed residents also would be eligible for city garbage service -- although they would be allowed to stay with their current provider for two years -- which might save them some money as well, Mrs. Brack said.

If annexed, land would be classified as "agricultural," before being rezoned, City Manager Michael Stoldt said. Residents may continue using wells if annexed, he added.

"I would certainly support allowing water wells for agricultural purposes," Stoldt said.

When Cynthia White asked if residents would have to switch to sewer service, the city manager said lots still would rely on septic tanks.

"In any large, estate-style subdivision we do not normally extend sewer service," Stoldt said. "It's cost-prohibitive."

The city manager also said the area might receive additional street lighting, most likely at intersections.

Bill White said he does not expect a significant improvement in services if his property enters the city, as White said roads generally remain in good condition. Residents are satisfied with Lampasas Sheriff's Department patrols, he added, and have had little reason to contact law enforcement officials, other than in response to occasional attempts to hunt on small lots.

"I only see negatives," White said of annexation efforts. "I see higher taxes."

Fewer than 10 citizens attended a separate public hearing about a petition for voluntary annexation of 9 acres west of Sheppard Lane and north of the Diamond Ridge subdivision. None of those in attendance voiced opposition.

The second public hearings for both annexation proposals are scheduled for Oct. 27.