OAK GROVE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – A newly formed Annexation Committee has initiated discussion about absorbing Christian County property into the city to allow for more room for growth in Oak Grove once Buc-ee’s has been completed off of Exit 89.

On Aug. 14, the committee met at the Oak Grove City Council Chambers, led by Janet Edwards as chairperson alongside Jean Leavell and John Campbell. Described as an “exploratory committee,” they have begun conversations about annexing a few parcels of farmland located on the northside of Interstate 24 that are adjacent to the future site of Buc-ee’s.

“Buc-ee’s is breaking ground soon, and we know just from previous developments that around Buc-ee’s everything explodes. So, the northside of I-24 is prime real estate,” Edwards told Christian County Now. “If we don’t annex it, and then Hopkinsville annexes it and things develop around there, then they get all that revenue.”

If the land is successfully annexed, some of which is adjacent to an Amish community, the property could be zoned to allow for commercial developments. Edwards said the additional city revenue from new businesses could fund a non-volunteer fire department for the city, which they aim to establish in the next coming years.

Buc-ee’s construction was initially planned to begin this summer but has been postponed to early 2026.

Contacting property owners, consensual annexation vs non-consensual

The committee consulted Oak Grove Attorney Lee Wilson about what the first steps in the process should be, and he advised they meet with property owners face-to-face to determine how they would receive the annexation before moving forward with discussion.

“It all comes down to interest on the part of the property owner,” said Wilson during the meeting. “If people want to be in the city, I want to welcome them to the city.” He additionally advised that they should not attempt a non-consensual annexation, which would force the property owners into the process through a vote. If this occurred, the owners would have the opportunity to petition the decision if it went through city council.

On the other hand, a consensual annexation would require written consent from property owners and a note to the Christian County Fiscal Court before moving forward with the creation of an ordinance.

| RELATED STORY: Buc-ee’s construction in Oak Grove delayed until winter

Pros and cons of Oak Grove jurisdiction

At a previous annexation meeting, it had been noted by the committee that residents outside of the city limits may prefer the independence of the county. Potential drawbacks for annexation could include additional city property taxes and compliance with more city regulations.

According to the committee, benefits for annexation include access to water and sewer, better fire suppression, improved insurance rates, increased property values, and public safety access. At the end of the meeting, Leavell suggested they make a list of what the city can offer these properties before approaching owners.

At this point, no action has been taken by the committee, and no decisions have been forwarded to city council. They are tentatively planning to reconvene in a month with the hopes of speaking to property owners soon.

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