Agriculture and elections drew the most debate at a recent public hearing about Westfield's plans to annex a segment of western Washington Township.

Specifically at issue was whether owners of property zoned for agricultural uses could continue to operate as usual.

Town Manager Jerry Rosenberger said that people who have agricultural zoning for 3 or more acres of land -- who are raising farm animals or growing crops, not necessarily for sale -- would be eligible for an exemption from paying municipal taxes.

He insisted, however, that each agricultural property owner must fill out a form and return it to the town by the end of the year to get the exemption.

Many agriculture users, such as area residents Bill Koss and Robert O'Brien, sought the guarantee of a grandfather clause that would assure them continued use of their farmland without any future town ordinance prohibiting such practices as open burning or handling animal waste.

Rosenberger said there are no intentions to curtail any farm activities, although several residents in attendance at the hearing Thursday said they wanted better assurances than that.

Questions also arose about how elections will be handled. The annexation will require redistricting for the Town Council, and officials have been talking about expanding the council to seven members to give better representation to the newly annexed areas.

"But," Rosenberger pointed out, "state law says you have to have a referendum to increase a town council from five to seven. You can't just wake up one morning and say, 'We want seven people, now.' "

Still, Rosenberger said the town is working with State Sen. Jeff Drozda, R-Westfield, to find a way to expand the present council from five seats to seven in 2006 without a referendum.

Further complicating matters is Westfield's plan to become a city in 2008.

That timing means an election must be held in 2007 in order to comply with a statute requiring cities to elect all council members, a mayor and the clerk-treasurer at one time.

As a result, seats that are up for election in 2006 would be up for election again the following year. Current council seats held by Dave Mikesell (District 4) and Teresa Otis Skelton (at-large) would be affected.

How those questions will play out has yet to be determined, Rosenberger said.

"It's not put to bed quite yet. There are a lot of issues at one time."