Jefferson City and Cole County residents voted whether or not they should annex an outlying neighborhood.

The Capital Hills neighborhood is surrounded by Jefferson City on three sides. Residents had the chance to become a part of the city Tuesday night at the polls, but voted against annexation.

Jefferson City officials think annexation is the best move for the neighborhood.

"Fifteen, 20, 25 years from now, as people drive through that area, and it's all built out, it's a nice, coordinated area that doesn't have inconsistent uses," Jefferson City Mayor John Landwehr said.

But residents of the Capital Hills area don't feel the same way, the neighborhood failed to pass annexation by only two votes. Supporters hope the issue will be approved when it comes up again in April. It would require a two-thirds vote from the city and Capital Hills residents.

One resident of Capital Hills once opposed annexation, because he didn't like the city telling his neighborhood what to do. But now feels differently.

"Over the last five years, I've worked with the city, worked with leadership, worked with a number of people and finding out they're really very interested in the needs of our area and the needs of my neighborhood," Tom Piper said.

If annexed, Jefferson City would increase by 300 acres. If the issue does not pass in April, Jefferson City officials say they will go back to the drawing board and continue to work toward annexation.