TUPELO - The city's annexation trial ended Monday, but it could take until Thanksgiving before the outcome is known.

Attorneys for Tupelo and its opponents - Lee County, the city of Saltillo and the town of Plantersville - rested their cases after brief testimony Monday morning at Lee County Chancery Court.

Afterward, they toured the six proposed annexation areas with Judge Edward C. Prisock. It was the second such tour since trial began March 29, and it allowed the judge to gain a better understanding of each area.

Tupelo wants to absorb 16.15 square miles of land and about 2,800 people into its boundaries, but the move is opposed by many residents and the three governmental entities fighting it in court.

The two sides spent 22 days presenting their cases to Prisock, who was specially appointed by the state Supreme Court to preside because all local chancellors recused themselves.

"What a long strange journey it's been," Billy Spencer, an attorney for the city, said at the trial's conclusion, invoking The Grateful Dead.

"It's been a long journey for me, too," Prisock said. "In a strange way, I have enjoyed it."

It likely will take several weeks before court reporters finish transcribing the trial's proceedings, Grateful Dead reference and all. Attorneys then will have 10 working days to review the transcript and note any errors.

After that, both sides will have 45 days to submit their proposed findings of fact.

A finding of fact is an irrefutable statement based on evidence and testimony presented at trial. The judge uses these findings, along with all other court documentation, to help form an opinion.

The judge is under no deadline to render his decision, but Prisock said it's likely to happen in November.

Prisock could either accept the proposed annexation in its entirety, accept portions of the annexation, or deny it altogether.

Whatever the outcome, the case likely will be appealed to the state Supreme Court, where it could linger several more months or longer.

Contact Emily Le Coz at (662) 678-1588 or emily.lecoz@djournal.com.