Residents who live near St. Cloud will wait to learn if the city will try to annex them.

City leaders decided Thursday to postpone a vote to annex 400 homes, including homes in a community called Whaley's Landing. 

Residents affected by the annexation plan wore red T-shirts to make a statement in the crowd.

"Just because you can it does not make it right,” said Stacy McCland with Bogin, Munns & Munns, speaking on behalf of the residents against the plan.

Homeowners in Whaley's Landing signed a petition against annexation, saying they're worried about increased costs for water, sewage and taxes. 

These homeowners have also put out 200 signs out on the road. The signs and the T-shirts read, “City-forced annex is unjust.”

"Why don’t we want to be in the city? Because you can’t take care of the very problems that you currently have,” said homeowner Robert Foster. “If you can't take care of the city lights, of the city problems, the water problems. All the other things you're currently doing. Why do you need to take on more property?”

Other residents said they fear that due to the annexation their homes will turn into commercial property.  

"Who is pushing this and why is it happening?” homeowner Darryll Gibson said.

The mayor said there is no illwill with the annexation and that it's all about safety, to make sure residents receive fire and police services under their jurisdiction faster.

"I have heard no discussion from staff, from any council member, from anyone that this is some sinister plot to get the turnpike in, so that we can take away your land,” Mayor Nathan Blackwell said.

The council agreed to postpone the decision on annexation. And for some of these homeowners it's a sigh of relief, but they believe the fight is not over just yet.

"It is unfortunately just buying some time, and we hope that in the long run they will see in our favor and not annex us,” homeowner Julia Gibson said.

The city council also agreed on having a workshop to learn more about the implications of the annexation, and bring this item up at a future council meeting.