Under the proposal from each city, Warrenton would annex a roughly one-mile-long strip running from the center of the I-70 median north along the North Service Road. Truesdale, meanwhile, would annex approximately a one-mile-long strip along Veterans Memorial Parkway (South Service Road). The property would be bordered by the I-70 median to the north and extend from Franklin Road westward to the current city limit sign. "It's something we've been talking about for quite a long time," said Truesdale Mayor Ray Gibson. "But at this point, we're fairly optimistic the annexation will take place." Warrenton Mayor Greg Costello also expressed optimism the proposed annexation would proceed. "We've been trying to move in this direction for about 10 years," Costello said. "Both cities seem to have a clear understanding of the process and are in complete agreement." The proposed annexation still requires the approval of the Warren County commissioners, one of a series of steps necessary before the request is formally submitted to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) for final approval. Before MoDOT can approve the annexation, both Truesdale and Warrenton must each also hold a public meeting, get permission from any affected landowners and notify other municipalities within a five-mile radius of the impacted area. That step requires notification of both Wright City and Innsbrook. Gibson said Truesdale has already received permission from the two landowners on the property the city hopes to annex. "The only landowners are the Faith Christian Family Church and a cow pasture owned by the Nadler family," Gibson explained. "So we're in good shape there." A Truesdale public hearing will be held sometime in early July, according to Gibson. Gibson said once Truesdale and Warrenton officials complete the preliminary requirements, the annexation request will be sent to MoDOT's Northeastern District 3 office in Hannibal. "MoDOT will be the one to decide yes or no on this," Gibson explained. "They have the final say." But Gibson also said he was hopeful the request would be granted. "Both cities (Warrenton and Truesdale) are in agreement with this proposal," Gibson said. "It would further define the boundaries of each city. I think it would be a positive, good thing." Costello said the annexation would help impact future growth. "The good thing is this doesn't immediately put us out there in business," he noted. "We will still need infrastructure before we can hope to attract any businesses to the area. "But it does give both cities the ability to start planning in that direction," added Costello. Neither Costello nor Gibson could predict when the annexation would take place. "I'm going to be disappointed if this doesn't get done by the end of the year," said Costello, "and hopefully well before then." If the annexation is ultimately ratified by MoDOT, it would be the culmination of what initially began as a gentlemen's agreement on potential city boundaries established years ago. The cities of Warrenton and Truesdale reached a "handshake" agreement on the proposed boundaries in 2003. In 2006, the annexation request got as far as the Warren County commissioners, who rejected the proposal.