NEW!! ANNEXATION ARBITRATION PANELS, Procedure and Operations of (Chapter 110-12-8) Though implemented in 2008, the Fair Annexation Act (see, above) did not direct DCA to adopt rules governing the procedure and operation of annexation arbitration panels until the Act was amended in 2022. These rules provide details surrounding DCA's role in the annexation arbitration process, how the panels are run, and the responsibilities of process participants. The legislature's goal in enacting the process and directing DCA to create rules for it is to provide local governments and property owners a viable alternative to lengthy, expensive court cases. However, the option of appeal to the courts is preserved by law and rule.