Hoping to annex Little Gables, High Pines and Ponce Davis into the city, Coral Gables leaders asked the county to exclude these and other enclaves from a proposed moratorium of annexation of county pockets.

For years, Coral Gables leaders have discussed squaring off the city by bringing these areas within city limits. But the city faced obstacles including Miami-Dade annexation policy changes and statewide tax reform.

Now, the Miami-Dade County Commission is considering a moratorium that would prohibit the city from moving forward on annexing the unincorporated areas.

``We are just asking the county to consider allowing cities to annex enclaves,'' said Mayor Don Slesnick in an interview. ``We at least want the option.''

Assistant City Manager Maria Alberro Jimenez said the city would once again have to look into whether annexing the areas would be profitable to the city.

The city has done studies several times before, but could never conclude because of variables including whether the county would charge a mitigation fee. The county recently ended mitigation fees for three other cities -- Doral, Palmetto Bay and Miami Lakes -- after city residents voted against the fees.

``We still would have a lot of work to do,'' Jimenez said. ``We just have to make sure that it is in the best interest of the city.''

In 2008, city officials estimated that Little Gables would generate about $1.6 million annually in property tax revenue, and would cost the city about $2.8 million the first year and $2.3 million each year after that for services. At the same time, studies showed that High Pines would generate almost $5 million and cost the city about $4.8 million in the first year and then $4.2 million yearly after that.

This is not the first time that the county has placed restrictions on annexations.

In 2007, the county commission lifted a two-year moratorium on annexation.

George Fernandez, a coordinator with the county's office of strategic business management, said the item will likely go to a committee meeting in December.

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