Pasco — The Franklin County Board of Commissioners denied the incorporation petition signed by hundreds of residents in the so-called "doughnut hole" in West Pasco during a hearing today.

Commissioners said they were at the end of the window to hold a public hearing on the matter and make a decision. Additionally, a pending court case on the city of Pasco's annexation of part of the doughnut hole doesn't appear close to any resolution.

"I don't know if the board has any other choice but to recognize that annexation has taken place," said Commissioner Brad Peck.