Attorney Says Time Is Not 'Ripe' For Farmer's De-Annexation

De-annexing his farm from the city of Pineville might be more difficult than Roddy Lett anticipated.

The farmer told those gathered at a Pineville City Council meeting in December that he wants to de-annex the back 400 acres of his farm to the east and south. He believes that de-annexing will mean more freedom to hunt his own land and use his own water sources.

But the Pineville City Council and city attorney Kirk Wattman have discussed the de-annexation possibility. It doesn't look like that might take place anytime soon.

After a special closed session last week, Wattman said in a released statement, "The request for de-annexation is not ripe for review by the city council."

Lett came under fire last year when his Mountain High subdivision neighbors said the fertilizer he utilized smelled horrible. They said the long-lingering smell permeated the air around their houses for at least three months. The front part of his acreage borders that subdivision.

Lett said he utilized free state-certified fertilizer from Simmons. If he were to purchase fertilizer, it could cost him anywhere from $30,000 to $50,000.

Part of the enticement of de-annexation includes the ability to hunt on his own land. Lett said he and his son always carry a gun with them because they shoot coyotes that prey on their cattle.

De-annexation also means that he could utilize cheaper water sources rather than being required to purchase water from the city, he said.

Attempts to reach Lett were unsuccessful.