Aug. 14, 2007
Important annexation vote on August 21 primary ballot
Cities and County hope for strong turn-out
As the August 21 primary election draws near, Auburn, Federal Way and King County officials hope voters living in annexation areas adjacent to the two cities will make their voices heard on three annexation ballot measures.
If approved by voters the Federal Way annexation would add over 20,000 residents to the City, from areas along the eastern edge of the current City limits.
There are two separate ballot measures for Auburn, one for annexation of the "West Hill," west of the City limits, the second for the "Lea Hill" area to the east of the City. Combined, these areas include about 15,000 residents.
The key service changes from annexation are that the City, rather than the County, would provide police patrol, roads maintenance, local parks and community services, land use permitting, and drainage services. School district boundaries are unaffected.
"This is the community's chance to make a choice," says Mayor Mike Park of Federal Way. "We are prepared to welcome these residents to our City and provide them services at levels generally higher than that which the County can provide. We hope for a good turn-out so we get a true measure of the community's interest."
Mayor Pete Lewis of Auburn echoed this sentiment. "For years we have looked to eventually annex West Hill and Lea Hill to Auburn, but frankly the cost just didn't pencil out," he explained. "With new and significant financial support from the state and from King County, that has changed. Auburn can now serve these areas without reducing services to our current residents. Police services will improve for these areas, and we can begin to get a better handle on the development activity occurring there."
Both cities have recently concluded a series of community outreach meetings, conducted in partnership with King County, seeking to bring the facts to residents about annexation. Several hundred residents attended the various meetings and asked questions on a variety of topics, ranging from the timing of the elections to zoning, police patrol and tax differences.
The key tax and fee changes are that residents would stop paying the County road tax and instead pay a general City property tax. Cities also impose utility taxes on private utility services within city limits. Overall, taxes and fees will be about the same after annexation. Federal Way estimates taxes will increase between $7 and $90 per year for the average family. Auburn estimates a slight tax decrease of between $41 and $198 per year for the average family.
"Voters in these areas should take a serious look at annexation, which is part of a long term plan for our region," said King County Executive Ron Sims. "We've been working towards this since the mid-1990s, when the state Growth Management Act was approved. Going forward, given our increasing budget pressures, the county's goal is to focus on being a regional service provider. We'll do our best to serve areas if the voters reject annexation, but cities are frankly better equipped to provide local urban services than we are.
"The simple fact is that unless there are major changes in the county's taxing authority over time, King County will not be able to provide people in these areas the services they deserve," Sims said.
Voters will have the final say. If approved, Federal Way plans to make the annexation effective in mid- 2008. Auburn would make its annexation effective January 1, 2008.
Visit the City of Auburn's web site for more information or view Auburn's annexation handout.
Information on the proposed annexation in Federal Way is available on their web site. A map of the area is also available.
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