The decision received much public attention over the past few months. There were proponents both for and against annexation, although the majority of public comments heard were against the decision.

After the vote, resident Jim Thomas felt the council made the decision without completely looking at all the issues. "Knowing that the decision was made without all of the homework being done is disappointing," Thomas said.

Resident Barbara Cook applauded the decision, stating that she had strongly suggested the council approve the annexation so it could "take control" over what happened to the property.

Councilmembers discussed their opinions and concerns regarding the annexation at the council’s July workshop the week before the vote. Several councilmembers referenced planning for the future as their reason behind voting yes.

"I am all about planning for the future," said Councilwoman Fuller, who believed the increased revenue to the city from potential residential development of the property would help Taneytown pursue its smart growth plan.

"Things do change, and we need to adapt," Councilman Hand said. Hand discussed redevelopment in the area as an important consideration, especially when preserving outdated buildings or uses becomes too costly. "It’s exciting when we can take what’s already around and make it useful and good," he said.

Vigliotti expressed his opposition to the annexation based on the proposed housing development plans that could be pursued on the Sewell property. He argued that to make a decision on one would "necessarily include the other."

"I cannot in good conscience come around to support the annexation with respect to development," Vigliotti said, citing concerns of additional strains to the town’s Fire, emergency medical services, police departments and health facilities. Bringing in new residents would be "adding pressure to an already overburdened system."

Councilman Haines made a point that if the Sewell farm property is developed without being annexed to the city, it would be subject to Carroll County governance and not that of Taneytown. "Better that we be the ones that have influence over what that property becomes than not at all," he said, explaining his case for approval of the annexation.

Prior to the council’s vote, there was discussion about the potential for a petition to move the decision to a referendum vote. After the legislative action is officially taken, citizens have 45 days to deliver a petition signed by 20 percent of the city’s voters to force a referendum vote on the issue. If such a petition is rendered, the legislative action is put on hold until the council can schedule a special election.